Burkina Faso faces a tense and uncertain moment in its quest to qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. With only one match remaining in the qualifiers, the Stallions will host Mauritania this Friday in Ouagadougou, but their path to qualification is far from straightforward. A victory alone may not be enough, as the outcome also depends on Angola’s performance against Botswana, a team already eliminated from contention.
The situation is made even more delicate by concerns over the availability of the Traoré brothers, Alain and Bertrand, two key figures in the Stallions’ lineup. Reports from Burkinabè media indicate that Alain Traoré, who recently joined Olympique Lyonnais, experienced pain during training on Wednesday, leaving his participation against Mauritania in serious doubt. Bertrand Traoré’s status is also uncertain, adding further unpredictability to an already high-stakes match.
Coach Paulo Duarte addressed the squad’s predicament ahead of the game, noting the challenges posed by last-minute absences. “Alain Traoré has suffered a thigh injury. Only he can say if he can play. We will wait and see what Bertrand Traoré’s state of mind is. It is in this context that I have to work. But with four last-minute absences, we can still rely on the strength and mentality of players who are seeking qualification,” Duarte explained.
Alain Traoré’s injury has proven particularly costly, as the RS Berkane attacking midfielder has already been ruled out of the decisive match. In addition, Burkina Faso will be without defender Patrick Malo and Dylan Ouédraogo, both of whom sustained injuries at their respective clubs and were unable to travel with the team. Paulo Duarte described the situation as a significant setback but expressed confidence in the players who remain available. “It’s a big blow. We can’t play with players who aren’t fit. I’m sure, I’m convinced, that the players who are available will show their quality,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Burkina Faso’s focus remains squarely on the task at hand. Victory over Mauritania is mandatory, but the Stallions’ fate is not entirely in their own hands. Should Angola secure a win against Botswana, Burkina Faso’s chances of reaching the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations would be severely diminished, regardless of the result in Ouagadougou. Conversely, a favorable outcome for the Stallions, coupled with an unexpected result in Angola, could see Burkina Faso claim one of the final qualification spots.
The upcoming match promises to test both the depth and resilience of Paulo Duarte’s squad. With key players sidelined, the onus falls on the remaining players to step up and deliver under pressure. The coach remains confident in their ability to rise to the occasion, emphasizing mental toughness and determination as vital components for success.
As the Stallions prepare for Friday’s showdown, the tension within the camp is palpable. Injuries and uncertainty over player availability have added to the drama, but the team’s objective is clear: secure a win, keep hope alive, and depend on Angola’s result to reach the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. For Burkina Faso, the final day of the qualifiers represents both a challenge and an opportunity, a moment to prove their resilience on the continental stage.
