USFA strengthened their position as one of the leading forces in Burkinabe women’s football after defeating Etincelles on penalties to win the Burkina Faso Women’s Cup and complete a domestic double.
The reigning Division One champions overcame their closest rivals in a tense and dramatic final that was decided only after a penalty shootout.
The military-backed side eventually prevailed 5-4 from the spot after the match ended level following regulation time.
The victory capped a remarkable campaign for USFA, who had already secured the league title and entered the cup final aiming to add another trophy to their collection.
Their opponents, Etincelles, arrived determined to deny the champions a clean sweep of domestic honours. Having finished as runners-up to USFA in the league, they represented one of the strongest teams in the country and were eager to gain revenge on the biggest stage.
The final brought together two of the most successful and competitive sides in Burkinabe women’s football, creating significant anticipation among supporters.
For much of the contest, however, chances were limited.
The opening half failed to produce a breakthrough as both teams struggled to find the decisive moment in a tightly contested encounter.
Defences remained largely in control, forcing the match into a tense battle of patience and concentration.
The game finally came alive in the closing stages.
With just 10 minutes remaining, Charlotte Millogo gave USFA the advantage from the penalty spot in the 80th minute.
The goal appeared to put the champions on course for victory and another major trophy.
Etincelles, however, refused to surrender.
After mounting sustained pressure in search of an equaliser, they found a dramatic breakthrough in stoppage time, scoring in the 93rd minute to level the contest and revive their hopes.
The closing moments produced even more drama.
Just two minutes after equalising, Etincelles were awarded a penalty that could have secured the trophy. Déborah stepped forward with the opportunity to complete an extraordinary comeback, but failed to convert.
The miss proved costly.
With neither side able to find a winner, the final was settled by a penalty shootout, where USFA held their nerve to emerge victorious by a 5-4 margin.
The result not only secured the Burkina Faso Women’s Cup but also completed a league-and-cup double for the champions, underlining their dominance in the domestic game.
For women’s football in Burkina Faso, the final also highlighted the growing competitiveness of the sport, with two of the nation’s top teams producing a contest filled with late goals, missed opportunities and high-pressure moments.
While Etincelles were left to reflect on a painful defeat and a missed penalty that could have changed the outcome, USFA celebrated another landmark achievement in a season that has firmly established them as the benchmark of women’s football in Burkina Faso.
