Burkina Faso and Benin name probable line-ups for Africa Cup of Nations 2027 opener

Burkina Faso and Benin begin their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaigns against each other on Friday, 25 September 2026, at the Stade du 4-Aout in Ouagadougou.

The Group F meeting will see both sides enter the competition with probable starting line-ups that combine established internationals with attacking options expected to make an impact.

Burkina Faso

Herve Koffi is expected to start in goal for Burkina Faso, with Edmond Tapsoba set to lead the defence.

Issa Kabore could operate on the right side of the back four, while Nasser Djiga and Arthur Zagre are also in line to feature in defence.

The midfield is likely to include Ismahila Ouedraogo, Julien Aymard Bationo and Lohann Doucet.

Further forward, Dango Ouattara is expected to play an important role in the attacking build-up. Ousseni Bouda and Lassina Franck Traore could complete the front three for the Etalons.

Probable Burkina Faso XI: Herve Koffi; Issa Kabore, Edmond Tapsoba, Nasser Djiga, Arthur Zagre; Ismahila Ouedraogo, Julien Aymard Bationo, Lohann Doucet; Dango Ouattara, Ousseni Bouda, Lassina Franck Traore.

Benin

Benin are expected to use a four-man defence, with Mohamed Tijani and Yohan Roche likely to form the central partnership.

Tamimou Ouorou and Rachid Moumini could join them in the back four, while Hassane Imourane and Jodel Dossou are set to provide balance and creativity in midfield alongside Samadou Attidjikou.

Junior Olaitan is expected to be one of Benin’s main attacking outlets. He could be joined by Aiyegun Tosin and Rodolfo Aloko, with the trio tasked with adding pace and directness in the final third.

Gernot Rohr will be without Steve Mounie, who is injured, and Olivier Verdon, who is suspended. Junior Olaitan is therefore expected to carry greater responsibility in the attack against Burkina Faso.

Probable Benin XI: Marcel Dandjinou; Tamimou Ouorou, Yohan Roche, Mohamed Tijani, Rachid Moumini; Samadou Attidjikou, Hassane Imourane, Jodel Dossou; Junior Olaitan, Aiyegun Tosin, Rodolfo Aloko.

The match is the first fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign for both teams.

The published betting prices list Burkina Faso as favourites at 1.47. A draw is priced at 3.60, while a Benin victory is rated at 6.50.