Burkina Faso’s U17 national team has landed in Bamako, Mali, for a crucial preparation camp, where they will play two friendly matches against Mali’s U17 side as part of their build-up to the upcoming U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The young Stallions are using this training camp as a key part of their preparations for the continental tournament, where they aim to make a strong impact.
The first of the two friendly fixtures against the Malian Eagles is scheduled for today, offering the Burkinabe squad an opportunity to test their strength against a formidable opponent.
Burkina Faso’s technical team sees these friendlies as an essential part of fine-tuning tactics, assessing player performance, and fostering team cohesion before heading to Morocco.
Facing Mali’s U17 side, known for its physicality and attacking prowess, provides an ideal test for the Stallions as they aim to sharpen their skills in a competitive setting.
The upcoming U17 AFCON is a significant event for Burkina Faso, who find themselves drawn into Group B alongside South Africa, Egypt, and the yet-to-be-confirmed representative from the UNIFAC zone.
With strong opponents ahead, head coach Mamadou Kabore is focused on ensuring his team is both physically prepared and mentally resilient.
“These matches against Mali give us the opportunity to identify our strengths and work on areas that need improvement.
Mali has a solid youth setup, and this will be a good challenge for our boys,” Kabore said before the team’s departure.
The preparation in Bamako is also aimed at helping the young players acclimate to competitive pressure.
The coaching staff is placing emphasis on team chemistry, defensive organization, and finishing—key areas that could determine their success in the tournament.
For Burkina Faso, the U17 AFCON serves not only as a platform to compete for continental honors but also as a gateway to the FIFA U17 World Cup.
The top four teams from the tournament will secure a spot at the global event, making every match in Morocco critical.
Meanwhile, Mali’s U17 side welcomes the friendlies as part of their own preparations. Known for their disciplined approach and strong youth academy, Mali offers Burkina Faso a tough challenge, making the back-to-back friendlies a vital test for the Stallions.
Fans and supporters back home are eager to see how the Burkinabe youth will fare against one of West Africa’s strongest footballing nations.
The coaching staff hopes the lessons learned in Bamako will translate into a strong showing when the tournament kicks off.
As the young Stallions continue their journey towards the U17 AFCON, these friendlies in Mali mark a key milestone in their preparations, providing invaluable match experience ahead of the competition in Morocco.
