Burundi humble Djibouti in FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier

Burundi brightened their chances of making it to the next stage after they humbled Djibouti 18-0 in the first leg of the third round in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

The Burundi team took a 7-0 lead at half time in a match played on Sunday at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

After recess the Burundi team added 11 goals to silence the Djibouti team. Esterance Habonimana netted seven goals, while Doriane Nzoyikorera scored six goals. Clanceline Akimana netted a brace, while Angle Davina Nibogora, Josephine Majura and Nellyssa Kamikazi scored a goal each.

The return leg will be played at the same stadium on Wednesday with Burundi looking set to make it to the final round of the qualifiers.

In the other match played on Sunday, Uganda suffered a 2-0 away defeat to Zambia at the Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka. Namute Chileshe and Ruth Mukoma scored for the hosts. Hosts Ethiopia and Kenya also settled for a goalless draw in a match played on Friday at the Abebe Bikila Stadium.

CECAFA is assured of having a team qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup since the winner between Djibouti and Burundi will face-off with the winner between Ethiopia and Kenya at the final stage. The winner between Uganda and Zambia and will the winner between Morocco and Algeria in the final phase of the qualifiers.

The other teams battling in the third round include: Senegal, Liberia, Burkina Faso and Nigeria.

The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2024 which will also have three qualified teams from Africa will take place in the Dominican Republic later this year starting from 16 October to 3 November, 2024.