Burkina Faso will take on Zimbabwe this Friday evening in an international friendly at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, Morocco.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. local time (GMT+1), which translates to 7:00 p.m. in Burkina Faso and 9:00 p.m. in both Zimbabwe and France.
The match is expected to be broadcast locally in Burkina Faso on national channel RTB. However, the broadcast will be encrypted on Canal+ Afrique, limiting international access.
Stallions Seek Redemption After Tunisia Defeat
After suffering a 2-0 loss to Tunisia earlier this week, Burkina Faso will be determined to finish their training camp on a more positive note.
The West African side has called up forward Stéphane Aziz Ki, who recently joined Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca. His absence was felt in the earlier match, but his arrival could provide a crucial attacking boost against Zimbabwe.
Goalkeeper Hervé Koffi will be under particular scrutiny following his involvement in Tunisia’s second goal. The experienced shot-stopper is expected to deliver a more solid performance as he seeks to reassert his reliability between the posts.
Several other players will also be eager to make their mark. Young talents Memel Dao, Arsène Kouassi, and Cyriaque Irié had a muted debut earlier in the week, but could be given another opportunity to impress.
With national team places potentially at stake, the trio will be hoping to capitalize if given another chance to take the field.
Historic Record Favors Zimbabwe, But Times Have Changed
Despite Burkina Faso’s recent rise on the international stage, history does not favour the Stallions in this particular fixture. In their past three encounters with Zimbabwe since the year 2000, Burkina Faso has failed to secure a victory—losing twice and drawing once. However, it is worth noting that the two nations have not faced each other since 2007, and much has changed since then.
Burkina Faso has made significant strides in African football over the past decade, including a memorable run to the final of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
They now sit 64th in the FIFA world rankings, a notable distance ahead of Zimbabwe, who are currently ranked 116th.
The Warriors, meanwhile, have struggled to find consistent form on the international stage. As they look to rebuild their squad and restore confidence, Friday’s match will serve as a valuable test against a higher-ranked opponent.
What’s at Stake
While the match is a friendly in name, both teams will treat it as an important benchmark in their respective preparations. For Burkina Faso, it’s an opportunity to fine-tune their strategy, assess emerging talents, and bounce back from a disappointing loss to Tunisia.
For Zimbabwe, it’s a chance to measure themselves against more formidable opposition and begin carving a new path forward.
With pride, progress, and potential team selections on the line, both sides are expected to approach the contest with intensity and ambition. Fans can expect a competitive display as two proud footballing nations face off under the Moroccan lights.
