Burkina Faso turn to Kwesi Appiah after AFCON flop as Stallions hunt experienced hand

The Burkina Faso Football Federation (FBF) has reportedly initiated contact with veteran Ghanaian tactician James Kwesi Appiah to explore his interest in becoming the next head coach of the senior men’s national team, the Stallions.

This move comes as the federation seeks a seasoned leader to fill the vacancy left by Brama Traoré and his entire technical staff, who were dismissed on January 14, 2026, following the team’s early exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Preliminary discussions have been held, signaling the FBF’s intent to secure an African coach with a proven track record on the continental and global stage.

The interest in Appiah is driven by his recent extraordinary success with the Sudanese national team, where he has transformed the “Falcons of Jediane” into a formidable force despite the country’s ongoing internal conflict.

Under his guidance, Sudan not only qualified for the 2025 AFCON by finishing ahead of Appiah’s home country, Ghana, but also reached the knockout stages of the tournament.

Additionally, Appiah led Sudan to the semi-finals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and currently has the team sitting at the top of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group. These achievements have significantly enhanced his reputation as one of the continent’s elite coaches.

However, any potential move faces significant hurdles, as Appiah recently signed a three-year contract extension with the Sudan Football Association (SFA) that keeps him in charge until June 2028.

The SFA has expressed a “dire need” for his continued leadership as they aim for their first-ever World Cup qualification. While the FBF closed its formal application window on February 15, 2026, having received 82 applications from various candidates, including local hopeful Oscar Barro, the pursuit of Appiah suggests they may be willing to negotiate a complex release if the 65-year-old is open to a new challenge in West Africa.