U17 WORLD CUP: AFRICA LEADS 16TH ROUND QUALIFIERS

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

As at close of matches on Wednesday night through Thursday morning in the on going FIFA U17 World Cup in Brazil, five teams have already made their ways to the knockout stage which is expected to feature 16 teams.

An African team led the pack when Nigeria’s two straight wins in Group B ensured the Golden Eaglets’ passage. Hosts, Brazil and debutants, Angola, later followed them.

On Wednesday night, two more teams joined the trio. They are France and Senegal. Thus, the West African team making a debut remains unblemished after coming from behind to score late goals and beat European champions, The Netherlands 3-1 at at Estadio Kleber.

Three of the five qualified teams for the Round of 16 are therefore from Africa.