Burkina Faso will have to cope without their first-choice goalkeeper for their next two matches in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The former Lille shot-stopper has been ruled out through injury and was not included in the squad list released by the coaching staff, dealing a significant blow to the Stallions ahead of two important fixtures.
His absence forces the technical team to reshuffle their options between the posts, with three locally based goalkeepers called up to fill the gap. Steeve Farid of Majestic, Ben Idriss Traoré of AS SONABEL, and Babayoure Sawadogo of AS Douane will compete for the starting role during the upcoming games.
The squad announcement also confirmed that Hamed Touré and Blatti Touré were left out. Their exclusions come as notable omissions as Burkina Faso prepares to begin their qualifying campaign, suggesting a few tactical and personnel changes by the coaching staff.
Despite these absences, several experienced players have been retained to provide leadership and stability within the group. Veteran striker Aristide Bancé returns to the team, bringing his wealth of international experience and fighting spirit. Regular contributors such as Charles Kaboré and the Traoré brothers, Alain and Bertrand, have also been included, giving the Stallions a strong core of seasoned internationals.
Bertrand Traoré, in particular, is expected to play a key role in attack. The Lyon winger remains one of Burkina Faso’s most dangerous offensive weapons thanks to his pace, dribbling ability, and creativity. Alongside him, young talents like Lassina Traoré of Ajax Amsterdam will be eager to make an impact and showcase their potential on the continental stage.
Defensively, the team will rely on players such as Issoufou Dayo and Edmond Fayçal Tapsoba, who continue to gain experience in Morocco and Portugal respectively. Their presence should help maintain solidity at the back despite the uncertainty in goal.
Burkina Faso will first host Uganda in Ouagadougou on November 13 before travelling to face South Sudan on November 17. These two matches are crucial for the Stallions as they aim to start their qualification campaign strongly and secure early points in the group.
Here is the full squad list:
Goalkeepers: Steeve Farid (Majestic), Ben Idriss Traoré (AS SONABEL), Babayoure Sawadogo (AS Douane).
Defenders: Issoufou Dayo (RS Berkane, Morocco), Edmond Fayçal Tapsoba (Guimaraes, Portugal), Dylan Ouédraogo (OH Leuven, Belgium), Abas Traoré (Salitas), Soumaïla Ouattara (Rahimo FC), Steeve Yago (Caen, France), Yacouba Coulibaly (Le Havre, France), Issa Kaboré (Mechelen, Belgium).
Midfielders: Adama Guira (Guangzhou R&F, China), Charles Kaboré (Dynamo Moscow, Russia), Bryan Dabo (Fiorentina, Italy), Bertrand Traoré (Lyon, France), Cyrille Bayala (AC Ajaccio, France), Dramane Nikiéma (Horoya AC, Guinea), Alain Traoré (RS Berkane, Morocco), Zakaria Sanogo (FC Ararat, Armenia).
Forwards: Lassina Traoré (Ajax Amsterdam, Netherlands), Aristide Bancé (Horoya AC, Guinea), Jonathan Pitroipa (Paris FC, France), Eric Traoré (Pyramids).
