Contents
Burkina Faso have been the AFCON’s ‘nearly' team in recent editions, finishing in the top four places in three of the last four finals. The Stallions' golden age is now in full swing, however, giving them a solid chance of lifting a first-ever AFCON title.
Full Burkina Faso AFCON 2023 squad
As expected in our Burkina Faso predicted XI preview, French coach Hubert Velud has opted for consistency and experience in his 27-man AFCON squad. However, one major omission is the 45-cap midfielder Cyrille Bayala, who is out with an anterior cruciate injury.
Goalkeepers
- Herve Koffi
- Hillel Konate
- Kilian Nikiema
- Sebastien Tou
Defenders
- Issa Kabore
- Steeve Yago
- Issoufou Dayo
- Nasser Djiga
- Edmond Tapsoba
- Adamo Nagalo
- Abdoul Guiebre
- Valentin Nouma
Midfielders
- Blati Toure
- Adama Guira
- Dramane Salou
- Ismahila Ouedraogo
- Sacha Banse
- Gustavo Sangare
- Stephane Aziz Ki
Strikers
- Bertrand Traore
- Dango Ouattara
- Mamady Alex Bangre
- Djibril Ouattara
- Hassane Bande
- Mohamed Konate
- Abdoul Tapsoba
- Cedric Badolo
Surprise inclusions in Burkina Faso AFCON 2023 squad
Sebastien Koula Tou
Tou is the youngest member of the Burkina Faso squad, and he has made no senior appearances for club side CE Sabadell FC.
Sacha Bansé
Highly rated 22-year-old Bansé comes into the squad following 11 appearances for Ligue 2 side Valenciennes FC this season.
In-form players for Burkina Faso
Abdoul Tapsoba
Dynamic forward Tapsoba could also provide the Stallions with an alternative attacking outlet to the expected duo of Bertrand Traore and Dango Outtara. The Amiens striker has scored five goals in just 19 international appearances.
Hervé Koffi
At the defensive end of the pitch, goalkeeper Koffi will almost certainly keep his place as Burkina Faso’s number one. During AFCON qualifying, the 27-year-old goalkeeper conceded just one goal in four matches.
Tactical analysis
Under Velud, Burkina Faso have lost just three of 14 internationals so far, and the central-African side have certainly caught the eye for their attacking, high-intensity approach. The Stallions will likely use the same setup and hope to make a strong start in their AFCON opener against Mauritania, the lowest-ranked side in Group D.
A potentially tougher clash awaits Burkina Faso in the second matchday, as the Stallions take on Algeria. Veuld’s side will perhaps be more cautious against a dangerous Algeria team boasting some of the top African players. The likes of Riyad Mahrez, Houssem Aouar and Ismael Bennacer could give Burkina Faso a run for their money in Group D.
Angola will be Burkina Faso’s final group opponent. The Black Antelopes have failed to get past the group stage in their last three AFCON appearances. Moreover, the side’s only player plying their trade in top European leagues is Zito Luvumbo. As a result, the Stallions will be favoured for this encounter.
Current odds
Burkina Faso are currently priced at 50/1 to win their first-ever AFCON, but only 4/1 to win Group D.
Burkina Faso AFCON trivia
- Burkina Faso have failed to win all 12 of their opening AFCON matches.
- The Stallions have never won an international tournament.
- After competing as Upper Volta, Burkina Faso entered their first AFCON as an independent nation in 1996.
- The nation has reached the semi-finals in its last two finals appearances.
- If Bertrand Traore scored three tournament goals, he would be the joint-highest Burkina Faso scorer of all time, level with Alain Traore (5 goals).
