U-17 World Cup Update

21 June 2011

Burkina Faso have suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat at the hands of minnows Panama in their 2011 FIFA Under-17 World Cup Group E clash on Monday night.

The Burkinabe might have expected to overcome their opponents, who were making their first appearance at this level, but were stunned by a lone goal from Jorman Aguilar.

Panama made a fast start, with Alfredo Stephens hitting the crossbar inside three minutes and Dario Wright seeing his chip go narrowly over.

The Central Americans were ahead due to a Burkino Faso mistake as Issouf Paro failed to clear properly with his head and Aguilar rifled the ball home.

The African side were better after that, with Ben Zerbo and Ismael Bande going close, but they faded away in the second period, with only Ousmane Nana going close.

Burkina Faso will now have to get something out of their next clash against European giants Germany on Thursday if they are to have any chance of progressing to the latter stages of the tournament.

Africa’s challenge continues on Tuesday as Cote d’Ivoire take on Australia in Guadalajara.