Burkina Faso coach Amir Abdou unveils 25-man squad for debut as Stallions gear up for Guinea-Bissau friendlies

A new era begins for the Burkina Faso national football team as head coach Amir Abdou has named a 25-man squad for his first assignment in charge ahead of a pair of international friendlies against Guinea-Bissau national football team.

The Stallions are set to face Guinea-Bissau in a double-header during the upcoming FIFA international window, with both matches scheduled to be played at the iconic Stade du 4 Août in Ouagadougou on March 28 and March 31, 2026.

The fixtures will mark Abdou’s first opportunity to stamp his authority on the team since taking over the reins, and his squad selection offers an early glimpse into the direction he intends to take with the West African side.

Abdou’s 25-man list reflects a careful balance between established internationals and promising talents, suggesting a strategy focused on both immediate competitiveness and long-term development.

In goal, the experienced Herve Koffi headlines the trio, alongside Kilian Nikiema and Farid Ouédraogo, offering reliability and depth between the posts.

The defensive unit is anchored by top names such as Edmond Tapsoba and Issa Kabore, with support from players like Adamo Nagalo and Yacouba Nasser Djiga, forming a solid backline expected to provide both stability and attacking support from wide areas.

In midfield, Abdou has turned to a mix of energy and creativity, with Gustavo Sangaré, Ibrahim Blati Touré, and Ismahila Ouédraogo expected to dictate the tempo, while younger options like Mohamed Zougrana and Ibrahim Bance could offer dynamism and fresh legs.

The attacking department appears particularly loaded, with several exciting options capable of troubling any defense. Dango Ouattara and Lassina Traore headline the forward line, supported by a host of emerging talents including Georgi Minoungou, Cyriaque Irie, and Ousseni Bouda.

With multiple attacking profiles available, Abdou will have the flexibility to experiment with different systems and combinations as he begins to shape his preferred style of play.

The upcoming friendlies against Guinea-Bissau present more than just preparatory matches—they are a critical first test for Abdou as he looks to build chemistry, assess his squad, and lay the foundation for future competitive fixtures.

Playing both matches at home in Ouagadougou offers the Stallions an added advantage, with the backing of their supporters expected to provide a strong atmosphere for the team’s new beginning.

All eyes will now be on how Abdou’s selections translate onto the pitch. With a blend of experience, youth, and attacking flair, Burkina Faso will be aiming not only for positive results but also for signs of a clear identity under their new coach.

Below is the squad:

Goalkeepers:

Herve Koffi, Kilian Nikiema, Farid Ouédraogo

Defenders:

Arsene Kouassi, Mohamed Ouédraogo, Issa Kabore, Adamo Nagalo, Yacouba Nasser Djiga, Edmond Tapsoba, Dylan Ouedraogo

Midfielders:

Ismahila Ouedraogo, Gustavo Sangare, Ibrahim Blati Touré, Mohamed Zougrana, Ibrahim Bance, Lohann Doucet

Forwards:

Dango Ouattara, Georgi Minoungou, Cyriaque Irie, Jack Diarra, Ousseni Bouda, Pierre Landry Kabore, Elohim Kabore, Lassina Franck Traore, Mohamed Konate