Burkina Faso yet to name U17 squad three days before UFOA-B tournament

Burkina Faso have still not announced their squad for the UFOA-B U17 qualifying tournament, which begins in Ouagadougou on 10 October.

The hosts are due to open the competition against Benin, but the Etalons U17 selection remains undisclosed with only three days to go before the opening match. Benin’s Guepards have already arrived in Ouagadougou, having been there since 5 October as they continue their preparations.

The delay follows the announcement on 6 October of Mamadou Zongo dit Bebeto as the new Burkina Faso U17 head coach. The public also learned that day about changes to the technical organisation of the national teams.

The Federation Burkinabe de Football (FBF) said the restructuring was intended to give the various age groups better conditions in which to prepare for their forthcoming commitments. However, the timing of the squad announcement has raised questions with the regional tournament so close to starting.

It is not clear whether the delay is solely an administrative consequence of establishing the new technical set-up, or whether other factors are involved. The issue has attracted particular attention because the selection of young players can sometimes lead to debate involving clubs, agents and technical staff.

There is currently no official information linking those issues to the delay, and no explanation has been given for why the Etalons U17 squad has yet to be published.

The pressure is now increasing on the Burkina Faso team, who will begin the tournament at home against Benin. Releasing the list quickly would provide greater clarity about the players selected to represent Burkina Faso in the regional competition, which runs in Ouagadougou from 10 to 23 October.