Tardy backs Junior Wasps

Today 2nd Semi-final-Amahoro stadium Ivory Coast vs Rwanda-3.30pm (SS9) Yesterday 1st semi-final Burkina Faso 1-1 Congo Brazzaville Burkina Faso won on penalties (4-2) JUNIOR Wasps head coach Richard Tardy has backed his youngsters to oust Ivory Coast from the on-going Caf Africa U-17 Championship. The two sides face off in a semi-final showdown this afternoon at Amahoro stadium. While the junior wasps finished their group campaign as Group A runners up following their 1-0 defeat against Senegal in their final group game, Ivory Coast stormed the last four unscathed after winning two and drawing one in Group B. However, Tardy has advised fans not to dwell so much into group stage results insisting that this is a new chapter were the best prepared team usually wins the contest. “Against Senegal, we were weary and did not play to our best but the boys are focused and will give everything to make sure they reach the final,” he said. Tardy also confirmed that team captain Emery Bayisenge would have a late fitness test.The young center back has been struggling with an ankle injury sustained during Rwanda’s final group match against Senegal. His impressive performances in the tournament have earned him a call up to the senior national team-Amavubi Stars ahead of next month’s CHAN competition. “He is a very important player for us and will be a great loss to the team if he fails the test,” Tardy conceded.His Ivorian counterpart Alain Gouamene meanwhile anticipates a thrilling contest. “Both teams want to attack so it should be a very interesting game to watch for the fans,” he said.The West Africans will heavily rely on their talisman Bedi Guy Stephane who tops the tournament scoring chats with four goals. Burkina Faso reach final Yesterday, Burkina Faso needed penalties to reach the final. With the score level at 1-all after 120 minutes, the West Africans finally saw off Congo Brazzaville on penalties (4-2). Stevy Epako put Congo ahead on the 33rd minute after a well taken free kick but Bertrand Traore Isidore leveled eight minutes into the second half. Burkina Faso will now play the winner between Rwanda and Ivory Coast in Saturday’s final. Ends

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Tardy backs Junior Wasps