In the leadup to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Burkina Faso head coach Brama Traoré claimed the goal for Burkina Faso was to leave Morocco with their first ever African Cup of Nations title. Perhaps a lofty goal, but the growth of Burkinabe football means that this squad is filled with top talent that is capable on it’s day of beating anyone in the competition.
Having said that, Burkina Faso did had a mixed qualification campaign. Strong performances against eventual group winners Senegal, including a draw in matchday 1, was mixed in with results like a 3-0 defeat away to Malawi in the final matchday. Though qualification was already sealed at that point for Les Étalons. A concern for Burkina Faso would be their defensive record, as they allowed 7 goals in the 6 matches, ending the campaign with just a +3 goal differential.
In some ways it’s no surprise that head coach Brama Traoré has come out with bold claims trying to galvanize his team and a nation following a heartbreaking World Cup Qualifying campaign. Burkina Faso will feel very hard done by, as they were slated to qualify for the African Playoffs before a late rule change by governing body CAF allowed Nigeria to squeak ahead of Burkina Faso for that final spot. This decision from CAF received pushback from players including veteran Steeve Yago, and even up all the way up to the President of Burkina Faso. The protests ultimately didn’t lead to much, as Burkina Faso will again miss out on the global showpiece.
But Burkina Faso will now look ahead to the Africa Cup of Nations. They will have plenty of work to do if they are to repeat what the 2013 squad were able to do, reaching the final.
Potential Starting XI
Coach
Brama Traoré
Brama Traoré represented Burkina Faso as a player in the late 80’s and early 90’s, and has been very involved in the Burkina Faso set-up as a coach. Traoré has worked his way up the ranks, from U20, to U23, and now with the senior squad.
Players to Watch
Bertrand Traoré
Age: 30
Position: CF/RW
Caps/Goals: 88/22
Club: Sunderland AFC (England)
Traoré has had a wonderful international career so for Burkina Faso, making his debut all the way back in 2011. Still only 30, Traore has plenty still left to give his nation. Likely to lineup at centre-forward, but capable of playing on either wing.
Edmond Tapsoba
Age: 26
Position: CB
Caps/Goals: 57/3
Club: Bayer 04 Leverkusen (Germany)
Tapsoba has established himself as one of the top centre-backs in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. Already approaching 60 caps for his nation, Tapsoba is one of the first names on the team sheet.
Burkina Faso Schedule
December 24, 2025 vs. Equatorial Guinea – Casablanca
December 28, 2025 vs. Algeria – Rabat
December 31, 2025 vs. Sudan – Casablanca
Country Information
Did you know…
Burkina Faso was previously known as Upper Volta, as three rivers, The Black, Red, and White Volta rivers run through the country.
