Burkina coach hails U17 victory

BURKINA FASO’s assistant Coach at the just concluded African Under-17 Championship has described the team’s victory as ‘fantastic’. The Burkinabe claimed their first Under-17 crown with a 2-1 win over hosts Rwanda in Saturday’s final. Pedro Lima said winning the trophy is a great achievement for the country. “It is the first trophy for these kids and the first for our country so we are very happy,” Lima told BBC Sport.“Winning the final in a full stadium, against the home team is really fantastic,” he stated. Burkina Faso took the lead in 54th minute after Zaniou Sana pounced on a poor back-pass from Rwandan captain Faustin Usengimana. Rwanda equalised ten minutes later from a long range shot from Tibingana Mwesigye. And despite playing most of the second half with 10 men following Kanazoe Bassirou’s red card, the Burkinabe restored their lead through Kabore Abdoul Aziz.After the game Pedro Lima described his team’s performance as mature.“We always showed great concentration in defence,” he said. “And when we won the ball, our counter-attack was very fast.” Lima said even at half-time and with the game still goalless, his boys believed they would win it. “When we arrived in the locker room the players said they knew they could win this game.”“We played very well [and] scored two goals,” Lima continued. Lima praised the performance of the Rwandan side as well as the organisation of the tournament.“Rwanda were a wonderful team. The [fans] and the organisation of the tournament have also been wonderful,” he said. Agencies

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Burkina coach hails U17 victory