Burkina Faso’s national football coach, Brama Traoré, remains optimistic as his team prepares for a high-stakes West African derby against Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The eagerly awaited match, set for 14 November in Bamako, comes as both teams vie for the top spot in Group L, having already secured qualification for the 2025 AFCON tournament.
Though several key players are missing from the lineup, Traoré, a former midfielder for Burkina Faso’s national side, expressed confidence in his squad’s abilities.
We have the ambition to stay first, and I am convinced that it will be a good match,” he affirmed, underscoring the team’s determination to maintain their lead over Senegal in the group standings.
Both teams sit level on points, with Burkina Faso edging ahead on goal difference (+7 to Senegal’s +6).
Securing first place would be a meaningful achievement for the Stallions as they look to assert their regional dominance.
To bolster his roster amid these absences, Traoré has turned to local talent, calling up Josué Tiendrébéogo, Régis N’do, and four players from Burkina Faso’s domestic leagues: Ridouanou Maiga, Clément Pitroipa (AS Douanes), Philippe Lapaix Maré, and Blakis Ouattara (Étoile Filante de Ouagadougou).
Traoré emphasized the importance of integrating local players into the national team.
The presence of local players is important, even if they do not play.
Their integration allows them to learn and progress,” he explained, stressing that their involvement helps build depth and cohesion within the squad.
The match against Senegal presents a challenging scenario for Traoré, who is without influential figures such as Bertrand Traoré, Hervé Koffi, and Dango Ouattara.
Nevertheless, the coach remains undeterred, trusting in the collective spirit and resilience of his team.
Unforeseen events always happen, but the main thing is to prepare the team as best we can.
As long as we start with 11 against 11, I am calm.
Each player called up is determined and motivated,” he said, acknowledging that while individual absences are a setback, the team’s commitment to success remains steadfast.
Burkina Faso’s pursuit of first place has added significance for the team and its supporters, who view the derby as both a rivalry and a point of pride.
The Stallions have made strides in recent AFCON tournaments, and finishing at the top of their qualifying group would reinforce their position as one of Africa’s rising football powers.
For Senegal, the upcoming match also presents an opportunity to close the gap and potentially claim first place in the group.
Known for their strength and skill, the Senegalese Lions will enter the game as fierce competitors.
With players who have recently starred in both the national team and in international leagues, Senegal’s squad is expected to present a formidable challenge.
As anticipation builds for the Group L showdown, fans on both sides eagerly await the outcome.
For Traoré and Burkina Faso, a victory would not only secure first place but also boost the team’s confidence heading into the tournament.
Brama Traoré, sélectionneur burkinabè, avant le choc contre les Lions du Sénégal : « Nous voulons rester premiers »https://t.co/Kfl61jhVTT
— wiwsport (@wiwsport) November 12, 2024
