Belgium lost 2-3 to France in the semi-finals of the European Under-17 Football Championship on Thursday evening in Elbasan, Albania, setting up a final between the French and the winner of the match between Portugal and defending champions Italy.
At the start of the decisive match, the French team tried to gain an early advantage, but the Young Devils calmly settled into their game, and after Jesse Bisuwu tested French goalkeeper Ilan Jourdren in the 5th minute, it was Belgium that dictated the pace.
Noah Fernandez and Bisuwu posed significant challenges for the French defence, but the only times the young French players felt real pressure were when Jourdren expertly saved a powerful shot from Fernandez in the 19th minute and stretched to stop a long-range attempt from Bisuwu in the 35th.
Despite their shaky start, France opened the scoring with their first accurate shot, courtesy of Abdoulaye Camara in the 42nd minute. However, the French captain’s celebration was short-lived as he committed a handball in the box. This led to a successful penalty by Fernandez, levelling the score at 1-1 just before halftime.
In the second half, the Young Devils posed a significant threat, with a good effort from Bisuwu in the 49th minute, but they were shaky in defence.
Rudy Matondo and Djyilian N’Guessan capitalised on Belgium’s defensive lapses, scoring in the 50th and 54th minutes respectively, bringing the score to 3-1.
Axl Wins reignited Belgian hopes by sending the French defence into a panic on a free kick in the 79th minute, narrowing the lead to 2-3, but France held firm to secure their place in the final.
