Burkina Faso adds new talent ahead of crucial qualifiers against Senegal and Malawi
Burkina Faso head coach Brama Traoré has revealed his 25-man squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, set to begin with a challenging fixture against reigning champions Senegal on September 6 in Diamniadio. This will be followed by a home encounter against Malawi, which will be held in Bamako, Mali, on September 9. The squad announcement comes as the Stallions prepare for what could be a pivotal start to their qualification campaign.
Absent from the list once again are former team leaders Bertrand Traoré and Issoufou Dayo, both of whom have been excluded from national team duty since Traoré took charge following the team’s disappointing performance in the last AFCON tournament.
The coach’s decision to continue without the two veterans signals his intent to usher in a new era for Burkina Faso football, focused on developing emerging talent and revitalizing the squad.
The core of the team remains familiar, with key players such as RC Lens goalkeeper Hervé Koffi, commanding defender Edmond Tapsoba, dynamic right-back Issa Kaboré, Bournemouth winger Dango Ouattara, and forward Lassina Traoré all making the list.
These players have been integral to the Stallions’ recent successes and are expected to lead the team in their upcoming qualifiers.
However, the big story from the squad announcement is the inclusion of two young prospects who have been called up to the senior team for the first time.
One of them is Mohamed Yabré, a promising 19-year-old left-back who currently plays for the Société Omnisports de l’Armée in Côte d’Ivoire.
Yabré’s selection is particularly noteworthy because he previously represented the Ivory Coast at the U23 level.
His switch of allegiance to Burkina Faso reflects the growing trend of players opting to represent their heritage nations rather than the countries where they began their youth careers.
The other exciting newcomer is 18-year-old winger Ousmane Camara, who plays his club football for Auda in Latvia.
Despite his Malian origins, Camara has already donned the Burkina Faso shirt at youth levels, including the U17 AFCON and the U17 World Cup, establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in the region.
His inclusion in the senior squad signals Traoré’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of Burkinabe footballers.
The full list of players demonstrates a blend of experience and youth, with a focus on securing a solid start in the qualifiers.
For Burkina Faso, the first hurdle will be the formidable challenge of facing Senegal, who are widely regarded as one of the strongest teams on the continent.
Following that, the Stallions will turn their attention to Malawi, a match that will be critical for maintaining momentum in the qualification campaign.
With new talent emerging and a determined squad ready to prove itself, Burkina Faso enters the AFCON 2025 qualifiers with a sense of optimism and a clear vision for the future.
Coach Brama Traoré’s decisions have sparked interest and set high expectations, as the Stallions aim to make a mark on the road to Morocco 2025.
Yabré Mohamed change de nationalité et opte pour le Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 !
L’ex international U23🇨🇮 a été sélectionné pour la prochaine trêve avec le Burkina Faso. pic.twitter.com/mOJlNqG7Cd
— Les Amoureux Du Foot Ivoirien (@A_Foot_Ivoirien) August 29, 2024
