Burkina Faso midfielder Stéphane Aziz Ki will be available for selection when the Stallions take on Zimbabwe this Friday, as Brama Traoré’s side looks to bounce back from a recent defeat to Tunisia.
Aziz Ki, who missed the first of Burkina Faso’s June fixtures due to unresolved administrative matters with his club, has now rejoined the national team setup and is expected to play a key role in the upcoming encounter.
His return comes at a crucial moment, with the Stallions eager to get back on track following their 1-0 loss to the Carthage Eagles.
The 28-year-old, who plays his club football for Wydad Casablanca in Morocco, had been selected for both of the national team’s matches this month but was unable to participate in the opening game.
With the paperwork issues now resolved, coach Traoré has a strengthened midfield at his disposal as he targets a much-needed victory.
The Burkina Faso boss has made no secret of his intentions ahead of the clash with Zimbabwe.
“We want to win,” he said bluntly, underlining the team’s determination to avoid further setbacks in their campaign.
Aziz Ki made his debut for the Stallions on 24 March 2017 and has since earned 17 caps, contributing two goals for his country.
His presence brings added experience and creativity to the midfield — qualities the Burkinabe side will be relying on heavily in their bid to outplay the Warriors.
Currently under contract with Wydad Casablanca until June 2027, Aziz Ki is a key figure at the Moroccan giants.
According to reports from FasoSports, the midfielder earns a salary of €440,000 annually, equivalent to approximately 286 million West African CFA francs.
His performances in the Botola Pro have drawn praise, with his consistency and work rate proving vital for Wydad’s domestic and continental campaigns.
That same influence will now be expected on the international stage, where Burkina Faso aim to solidify their standing and build momentum with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in sight.
With Aziz Ki back in the fold and morale in need of a lift, Friday’s match could be a turning point for the Stallions — and a chance for one of their most seasoned players to reaffirm his value on the pitch.
