Dango Ouattara’s injury has cast a shadow over Burkina Faso, intensifying concerns just two weeks ahead of the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
Starting for the Bournemouth against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday, the 21-year-old winger sustained a knock in the first half but valiantly held his ground until halftime.
Regrettably, Ouattara failed to rejoin the pitch in the second half, making way for Max Aarons.
This development delivers a substantial blow to the Stallions, who are currently in Abu Dhabi for their AFCON 2023 preparation camp, with a friendly match against Iran on the horizon.
Even prior to Bournemouth’s official medical update, anxiety looms for Hubert Velud and his coaching team over the availability of Ouattara for the tournament.
As the team navigates this setback, questions abound regarding Ouattara’s readiness for the imminent tournament, heightening the stakes for Burkina Faso.
The ripple effects of his absence extend beyond the pitch, affecting team dynamics and the strategic plans crafted for the prestigious competition.
Burkina Faso are in Group D, where they will take on Algeria, Mauritania, and Angola as they hope to reach the last four of the AFCON as they have done in three of their last four participations.
