The Burkinabe Football Federation (FBF) has confirmed that the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying matches between Burkina Faso and Burundi will take place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The announcement comes as a significant move, given the strained diplomatic relations between the two West African nations.
Burkina Faso, after securing a decisive 3-1 win over Malawi in Mali during the second round of qualifiers, will now shift its focus to neighboring Côte d’Ivoire for the next crucial encounters.
Despite the current tensions between Abidjan and Ouagadougou, Côte d’Ivoire has stepped in to host the Stallions for these matches, a gesture that highlights the country’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
According to the FBF, the first leg of this pivotal doubleheader will be held on October 10, 2024, at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpé, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
The second leg, which will follow shortly after, is set for October 13, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, also in Abidjan.
These matches, counting for the 3rd and 4th matchdays of the AFCON Morocco 2025 qualifiers, are crucial for both Burkina Faso and Burundi as they continue their campaigns to secure a spot in Africa’s premier football tournament.
With four points already on the board for the Stallions, they will be looking to extend their lead in the group standings, while Burundi will be eager to stage an upset.
Côte d’Ivoire’s decision to host Burkina Faso’s matches is seen as a diplomatic olive branch amid strained relations between the two nations.
The offer to use Ivorian stadiums, despite recent political tensions, reinforces Côte d’Ivoire’s longstanding reputation as a country that champions peace and stability in the sub-region.
In recent months, relations between Abidjan and Ouagadougou have deteriorated due to a series of political and security issues.
However, Côte d’Ivoire’s willingness to host Burkina Faso for these key qualifiers sends a strong message of reconciliation and cooperation.
This move could help to ease some of the tensions between the two governments, fostering goodwill through the unifying power of sport.
As the Stallions prepare to face Burundi on Ivorian soil, the matches are set to be intense, with high stakes for both sides.
Burkina Faso, who have emerged as a force in African football in recent years, will be keen to continue their momentum as they aim for qualification for the 2025 tournament, to be held in Morocco.
Meanwhile, Burundi, a team known for their resilience, will hope to use the occasion to climb up the standings and assert themselves as serious contenders in the qualification race.
With back-to-back matches in Abidjan, both teams have everything to play for.
These encounters not only hold importance for the teams involved but also carry symbolic weight, given the political backdrop.
Football, often referred to as a unifying force, could provide an avenue for easing tensions between Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire, as fans and players come together in the spirit of competition.
As the qualifiers continue, all eyes will be on Abidjan to see how both the Stallions and Burundi fare in these crucial matches—and whether this sporting occasion can also serve as a step toward greater regional harmony.
