Benin U17 women’s national team produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Burkina Faso U17 women’s national team 4-0 and secure a place in the next round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
The second-leg victory, played at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé on Friday, April 17, 2026, overturned a 3-1 first-leg deficit and ensured Benin advanced on aggregate after a dominant display.
Heading into the decisive fixture, the Beninese side faced a difficult task following their defeat in the opening leg.
However, they responded with a performance marked by intensity, organisation, and clinical finishing to rewrite the narrative of the tie.
At the centre of the comeback was Romaine Gandonou, who delivered an outstanding individual display.
The forward scored all four goals for her side, completing a memorable quadruple and emerging as the defining figure of the encounter.
Benin controlled the match from the outset, imposing themselves on proceedings and pushing forward in search of an early breakthrough.
Their persistence paid off as they gradually dismantled Burkina Faso’s resistance, with Gandonou leading the charge.
Her goals not only erased the first-leg deficit but also highlighted the growing attacking quality within the Beninese ranks.
By the final whistle, the scoreline reflected the dominance of the “Amazones”, who combined discipline with attacking flair to secure progression.
The result sends a strong signal about the rise of women’s football in Benin, with the team demonstrating both resilience and technical ability under pressure. F
Benin will now face Sierra Leone U17 women’s national team in the next round, following Sierra Leone’s victory over Ivory Coast.
That fixture represents another significant test as the Amazones continue their pursuit of a place at the global tournament.
Qualification for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup requires navigating three rounds, making each stage increasingly decisive. T
his year’s finals are scheduled to be held in Morocco, adding further incentive for teams aiming to reach the competition.
For Burkina Faso, the defeat brings an end to their campaign despite holding the advantage after the first leg.
They were unable to withstand Benin’s attacking pressure in the return fixture, ultimately conceding four goals without reply.
As the qualifiers progress, the Amazones will look to build on this momentum, with hopes of continuing their journey towards the World Cup and further establishing themselves as a rising force in African women’s football.
