Burkina Faso name squad for AFCON qualifiers and Argentina friendly

Burkina Faso head coach Amir Abdou has announced his squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and an international friendly against world champions Argentina.

Abdou unveiled his 25-man squad on Thursday, September 17 for the three important fixtures during the September-October international break.

The squad will be involved in Burkina Faso’s opening two matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign before concluding the window with a high-profile friendly against Argentina.

The three fixtures will take place between September 25 and October 3, with Abdou making several notable selections as he looks to build a competitive team for the qualifiers.

The squad is made up of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and eight forwards, providing the coach with options across all areas of the pitch.

Burkina Faso will begin their qualifying campaign against Benin on September 25 at the Stade du 04 Août in Ouagadougou.

The Stallions will be hoping to start their journey towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on a positive note, with Abdou expected to rely on a blend of experienced players and emerging talents.

Following the opening qualifier, Burkina Faso will travel to Morocco for their second Group fixture against the Central African Republic.

The match is scheduled for September 28 in Casablanca, with the Central African Republic having selected Morocco as the venue for their home matches.

The encounter will provide another important test for Abdou’s team as they look to collect maximum points from their opening two qualifiers.

Burkina Faso will then bring their international break to a close with a major friendly against Argentina on October 3 in Buenos Aires.

The meeting with the reigning world champions will give Abdou and his players an opportunity to test themselves against one of the strongest national teams in international football.

With three matches packed into the international window, Abdou will have the opportunity to assess his squad against different levels of opposition while also beginning Burkina Faso’s push for qualification to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The opening qualifiers against Benin and the Central African Republic will be particularly important as Burkina Faso seek to make a strong start, while the Argentina friendly will provide the squad with a prestigious final test before the players return to their respective clubs.

Burkina Faso squad:

Goalkeepers: Hervé Koffi, Kilian Nikiema, Sofiane Farid Ouédraogo

Defenders: Ismael Maiga, Nasser Yacouba Djiga, Edmond Tapsoba, Arsène Kouassi, Rachide Gnanou, Arthur Zagré, Mamoutou Ouédraogo, Issa Kaboré

Midfielders: Ismahila Ouédraogo, Lohann Doucet, Julien Eymard Bationo, Rachid Kouda, Cheick Bebel Doumbia, Axel Sountonoma Taonsa

Forwards: Dango Ouattara, Aboubacar Sidiki, Ousseni Bouda, Pierre Landry Kaboré, Georgi Minoungou, Cyriaque Irié, Élohim Kaboré, Abdoul Fessal Tapsoba