Burkina Faso U17s arrive in Ivory Coast ahead of AFCON qualifiers

Burkina Faso’s Under-17 national team has touched down in Ivory Coast as preparations intensify for the upcoming UFOA B qualifying tournament for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in this age category.

The competition, which brings together the region’s top youth sides, is set to begin in one week. Teams from across West Africa have already started arriving in Ivory Coast, eager to secure their place in the continental finals.

Among the early arrivals are the Burkinabe, who will be aiming to make a strong impression after their safe arrival with players and technical staff.

Although the squad has already settled in, the official list of selected players remains undisclosed. The Burkinabe Football Federation has not yet published the final roster, keeping the identities of those chosen under wraps for now.

The decision has sparked anticipation among supporters, who are eager to learn which young talents will carry the nation’s hopes on the continental stage.

For Burkina Faso, the tournament represents both a challenge and an opportunity. The Stallions’ youth system has earned growing recognition in recent years, producing promising players who have gone on to make their mark at senior level.

The upcoming qualifiers will provide another platform for showcasing the next generation of Burkinabe footballers.

The team’s campaign will officially begin on 21 September, when they face Benin in their opening fixture. It is a match that is already generating interest, with both sides known for their competitive spirit and determination in youth competitions.

A positive start will be vital for Burkina Faso if they are to progress to the latter stages of the qualifying tournament and secure a place in the 2026 U17 AFCON.

The UFOA B qualifiers are often fiercely contested, with national teams viewing them as crucial stepping stones for developing their players.

Success at this level is not only about immediate results but also about building a foundation for the future. Burkina Faso’s technical staff will be hoping that the experience of competing in Ivory Coast will help their young squad gain valuable exposure to international football.

Arriving early also gives the Stallions an advantage in adapting to local conditions. Ivory Coast’s climate and playing surfaces can be testing, and additional preparation time may prove decisive when the matches begin.

Training sessions in the days ahead will focus on fine-tuning tactics, building team cohesion, and preparing for the physical demands of tournament football.

While fans await confirmation of the final squad list, expectations remain high. The Burkinabe U17s have traditionally been seen as a resilient side, capable of producing standout performances on big occasions.

This qualifying campaign offers them a chance to reinforce that reputation and aim for continental success.

As the countdown continues to kick-off, attention now turns to how Burkina Faso will perform in their first test against Benin.

Victory in that match could set the tone for their entire tournament, as the Stallions seek to write another chapter in the nation’s growing football story.