As the countdown to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continues, Burkina Faso’s national team coach, Hubert Velud, disclosed the final 27-man squad set to compete in Ivory Coast. The announcement was made on Wednesday, precisely two weeks before the January 3, 2024 deadline for submitting final lists and 24 days ahead of the tournament’s kickoff scheduled for January 13.
The squad encompasses a diverse selection, featuring four goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders, and eight attackers.
Notable regulars have secured their positions, showcasing the depth and experience within the Burkina Faso team.
Among the prominent names are goalkeeper Hervé Koffi (Charleroi), Bayer Leverkusen’s central defender Edmond Tapsoba, and the talented right-back Issa Kaboré from Manchester City, currently on loan to Luton Town.
Despite his absence from recent fixtures, Bertrand Traoré, the skilled right-winger from Aston Villa, has been included in the squad.
Traoré’s last appearance was marked by a notable 0-3 victory against Ethiopia during the second day of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
However, his inclusion underlines the coach’s confidence in the player’s capabilities.
Conspicuously absent from the lineup are center forward Lassina Traoré, currently recovering from a tendon fracture sustained in August while playing for Shakhtar Donetsk, and right-winger Cyrille Bayala, sidelined since September due to a ruptured cruciate ligament.
As the Burkina Faso team assembles for the upcoming AFCON, expectations and excitement continue to build.
The inclusion of key players and the strategic composition of the squad reflect the nation’s commitment to making a mark on the continental stage.
With Bertrand Traoré’s return to the fold, fans eagerly anticipate the team’s performance as they strive for success in the prestigious tournament.
La liste des Étalons du Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 pour la CAN 2023 en Côte d’Ivoire a été dévoilée ce mercredi matin à Ouagadougou par le sélectionneur Hubert Velud.
27 Étalons dont 4 gardiens, 8 défenseurs, 7 milieux et 8 attaquants iront à la conquête de l’Afrique.#TotalEnergiesAFCON pic.twitter.com/Tn4bwcqh9k
— Ablam GNAMESSO 🇧🇫🇧🇯🇹🇬® (@AblamGnamesso) December 20, 2023
