Burkina Faso and Benin reveal likely line-ups for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

Burkina Faso are expected to start their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign at home with a 4-3-3 formation, while Benin could line up in a 4-4-2.

Burkina Faso manager Amir Abdou is likely to select Herve Koffi in goal, behind a defence of Issa Kabore, Edmond Tapsoba, Nasser Djiga and Arsene Kouassi.

Lohann Doucet, Rachid Kouda and Axel Taonsa are expected to form the midfield three. Georgi Minoungou, Lassina Traore and Dango Ouattara could lead the attack.

Burkina Faso (4-3-3): Herve Koffi; Issa Kabore, Edmond Tapsoba, Nasser Djiga, Arsene Kouassi; Lohann Doucet, Rachid Kouda, Axel Taonsa; Georgi Minoungou, Lassina Traore, Dango Ouattara.

Benin boss Gernot Rohr could opt for a 4-4-2, with Marcel Dandjinou predicted to start in goal.

Rachid Moumini, Mohamed Tijani, Yohan Roche and Tamimou Ouorou are in line to form the back four. Jodel Dossou, Hassane Imourane, Sessi D’Almeida and Junior Olaitan could operate across midfield.

Aiyegun Tosin is expected to partner Rodolfo Aloko in attack.

Benin (4-4-2): Marcel Dandjinou; Rachid Moumini, Mohamed Tijani, Yohan Roche, Tamimou Ouorou; Jodel Dossou, Hassane Imourane, Sessi D’Almeida, Junior Olaitan; Aiyegun Tosin, Rodolfo Aloko.

The fixture will have added significance for Rohr, who previously managed Burkina Faso and knows the team well. The German coach will therefore face a side he has already led, as Benin take on Abdou’s Burkina Faso team.

Burkina Faso will be aiming to make a successful start to the qualifiers on home soil.