2027 AFCON qualifiers: Hervé Koffi calls on Burkina Faso strikers to improve finishing

Burkina Faso goalkeeper Hervé Koffi has admitted that the Stallions need to improve their attacking efficiency after their narrow 1-0 victory over Mauritania in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Stallions secured all three points in their third qualifying match, but their inability to convert more of their chances remained a concern despite the positive result.

Koffi was asked about the team’s recurring struggles in front of goal after the match and jokingly suggested that the question should be directed at the forwards rather than him.

The Burkinabe captain, however, acknowledged that the team must put more work into improving their finishing if they are to become more effective in attack.

“It’s a real question. After that, I think we should ask the strikers. Because I’m a goalkeeper (laughs), but I’ll answer anyway. I believe we need to work on it more,” he said.

Despite the concerns over their attacking display, Koffi was pleased with the outcome, insisting that collecting maximum points was the priority in a difficult qualifying fixture.

The goalkeeper stressed that winning matches is particularly important during the early stages of the qualification campaign, when teams are looking to build a strong position in their respective groups.

“After all, as the coach said, the most important thing is the victory,” he stressed.

Koffi also pointed out that the opening rounds of an international qualifying campaign can be challenging, making it important for teams to take advantage of every opportunity to collect points.

He believes Burkina Faso must remain focused on securing positive results in their remaining fixtures as they pursue a place at the 2027 AFCON.

“You know, the first rounds are not easy. You have to do everything to get the victory and take as many points as possible to be able to qualify,” continued the Burkinabe goalkeeper.

The Stallions’ captain also expressed his gratitude to God and the supporters who turned up to cheer the team during the encounter.

He acknowledged that the match presented difficult moments but praised his teammates for continuing to fight until the final whistle to secure the victory.

“I thank God for this victory first and foremost. I also thank the fans, those who came out to support us. There were some difficult moments. We had to fight until the very last minute.”

The 1-0 result gives Burkina Faso an important boost in their bid to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, Koffi’s comments underline an area the Stallions will need to address as the qualifying campaign progresses, with greater efficiency in front of goal needed to turn their chances into more convincing victories.