The U-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers witnessed an extraordinary display of dominance as Burundi’s young stars decimated Djibouti in a jaw-dropping 18-0 victory.
It was a match that will be etched into the annals of footballing history for its sheer spectacle and the outstanding performances of Esperence Habonima and Roy Nzoyikorera.
From the opening whistle, it was evident that Burundi meant business. Within seconds, Nzoyikorera fired the opening salvo, setting the tone for what would be a relentless onslaught. His six-goal blitz was a testament to his prowess in front of goal, leaving the Djiboutian defense in tatters.
However, it was Habonima who stole the show, etching her name into the record books with an astonishing seven-goal haul. Her clinical finishing and impeccable timing left Djibouti’s defense reeling, as she found the back of the net with alarming regularity.
As the goals continued to flow, Burundi’s dominance became increasingly apparent. With each strike, they further solidified their grip on the match, leaving Djibouti with no respite and no answers.
The result not only showcased Burundi’s attacking prowess but also served as a stark reminder of the gaping chasm in quality between the two sides. For Djibouti, it was a harsh lesson learned, as they now face an uphill battle to salvage their World Cup dreams in the return leg.
Meanwhile, elsewhere on the continent, the race for a spot in the U-17 Women’s World Cup intensified. Nigeria’s Flamingos battled to a crucial 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso, while Senegal’s Lionesses secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Liberia. Morocco’s Lionesses also left a lasting impression, dispatching Algeria 4-0 in a one-sided affair.
With the return legs looming large, the stage is set for more drama and intrigue as the continent’s brightest young talents vie for a coveted spot on the world stage. The road to the U-17 Women’s World Cup promises to be fraught with tension and excitement, as teams across Africa continue their quest for glory.
As the dust settles on a historic day of football, one thing is abundantly clear: the U-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers have once again captured the imagination of fans around the world, serving as a showcase for the raw talent and indomitable spirit of the next generation of footballing stars.
And with the final round of qualifiers on the horizon, the stage is set for an epic conclusion to what has already been a thrilling journey.
Full results of the first-leg of 3rd round of the qualifiers
Djibouti 0-18 Burundi
Ethiopia 0-0 Kenya
Zambia 2-0 Uganda
Morocco 4-0 Algeria
Senegal 3-1 Liberia
Burkina Faso 1-1 Nigeria
Photo: CAF Online
