Flying Eagles vow to bounce back after Burkina Faso setback

The Flying Eagles have promised to fight back to top reckoning in the U20 AFCON qualifying tournament in Togo after they lost to Burkina Faso in their opening Group B game.

Burkina Faso needed a second-half goal to beat the Flying Eagles in Lome, Togo, and pile more pressure on the defending champions to win their next group game against Cote d’Ivoire Thursday.

Coach Aliyu Zubairu said his team were overpowered by the bigger looking Burkina Faso players, but now aim to win their next group game to reach the next stage of the qualifying tournament.

“Burkina Faso are a very physical side and we tried to match them for power against my instructions,” the coach explained.

“We have five days to prepare well for the game against Cote d’Ivoire, which we have to win by more than a goal to reach the next round.

“We share the pains of the fans because we ought not to lose to Burkina Faso, but they should continue to believe in the team and support us.

“We will forge ahead.”

Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi admitted they were not at their best against Burkina Faso, but they will win their next game to make it up.

“We have to win and win well our next match,” he charged.

“We were not at our best and we didn’t play to instructions.

“The game against Burkina Faso has come and gone, all hope is not lost.”

Burkina Faso will tackle Cote d’Ivoire Monday, before the Flying Eagles take on the Ivorians Thursday in the final game in Group B.