Burundi took a significant step towards securing a spot in the final qualifying round for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup with a commanding 18-0 victory over Djibouti in the first leg of their third-round tie on Sunday.
In a match relocated to Ethiopia, the young Burundian team dominated. Esperence Habonima and Roy Nzoyikorera were the standout performers, contributing 13 goals in an impressive display. Habonima made history with an outstanding seven-goal performance, scoring in the 7th, 52nd, 57th, 66th, 70th, 82nd, and 86th minutes. Nzoyikorera, was equally remarkable, netting six goals after opening the scoring just 55 seconds into the game. Nzoyikorera continued his scoring spree in the 11th, 34th, 45th, 48th, and 72nd minutes.
The result leaves Djibouti facing a tough challenge to keep their World Cup hopes alive ahead of the return leg in Ethiopia on Wednesday. For Burundi, this comprehensive victory adds to their impressive run in the qualifiers, following earlier wins against Botswana.
With a strong advantage going into the final qualifying round, Burundi will aim to secure a place in the U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic later this year, where they will face Ethiopia or Kenya. Elsewhere, Nigeria, Senegal, and Morocco also made significant strides towards the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s Flamingos secured a vital 1-1 draw away against Burkina Faso, with Chidi Harmony’s goal giving them an advantage ahead of the return leg. Senegal’s Lionesses earned a 3-1 victory over Liberia, with Marie Sarr’s double and Mariama Faty’s goal putting them in a strong position for the return fixture.
Morocco’s Lionesses dominated Algeria with a 4-0 win, thanks to goals from Ines Aboucharif, Romaissa Ihssan, Ouafae Bentahri, and an own goal by Hannane Sehoul. With the return legs looming, these ties promise more excitement and anticipation as the continent’s young female talents vie for a spot in the World Cup.
The final teams to represent Africa in the U17 Women’s World Cup will be decided at the end of the fourth round of qualifiers next month. The tournament is scheduled to take place in the Dominican Republic from October 16th to November 3rd, 2024.
