With Koné's crucial goal.. Young Burkinabe Stallions defeat Zambia and take a precious edge in U23 AFCON qualifiers

Burkina Faso conquers Zambia by a clean goal and prepares for Lusaka summit

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With Koné's crucial goal.. Young Burkinabe Stallions defeat Zambia and take a precious edge in U23 AFCON qualifiers

11.11.26 FT Africa U23 Cup of Nations

Burkina Faso U23

Zambia U23

Burkina Faso secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Zambia on Wednesday 11 November 2026 in the first leg of their 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations second round qualifier at Stade du 4-Août in Ouagadougou.

Nouhoun Abdel Junior Kone scored the only goal midway through the first half, converting a cutback from Rachid Ayinde to hand the Young Stallions an important advantage ahead of Sunday's return fixture.

The hosts, coached by Moussa Sanogo, known as Falcao, initially struggled to impose themselves before finding the breakthrough.

Zambia responded by creating several dangerous situations but the Burkinabè defence held firm to preserve the lead at half time.

The second half produced few clear opportunities for Burkina Faso while the Junior Chipolopolo pushed for an equaliser without finding a way through.

Despite their narrow advantage, the hosts maintained their defensive organisation to secure a valuable clean sheet.

FT’ | U23 AFCON QUALIFIERS Rwanda 🇷🇼 0-3 Cameroon 🇨🇲 Botswana 🇧🇼 0-1 Guinea 🇬🇳 Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 1-0 Zambia 🇿🇲 #AfricanFootball https://t.co/c6CAdYYsvi
— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) November 11, 2026

Burkina Faso take slender lead to Lusaka

The victory puts Burkina Faso in a favourable position ahead of the second leg, scheduled for Sunday 15 November in Lusaka.

According to CAF's official qualifying schedule, the match will kick off at 13:00 GMT.

A draw would be enough for Sanogo's side to progress to the third and final qualifying round, while Zambia must overturn their one-goal deficit on home soil.

As previously outlined in Foot Africa's qualifying draw coverage, seven teams will eventually emerge from the qualifiers to join hosts Egypt at the 2027 finals.

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Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.