Burkina Faso: How to turn their AFCON frustration into a future project

The economic trap: a vicious cycle to break
For a decade, the Étalons du Burkina Faso have alternated between memorable achievements, final in 2013, semi-finals in 2017 and 2022 and recurring disappointments, eliminations in 2023 and now 2025. This instability is explained by an approach too often reactive: selections based on current forms, unstable technical staff, and a federation grappling with administrative and financial challenges.

In 2025, the weaknesses were evident: a less aggressive defensive block, a midfield lacking creativity, attackers lacking complementarity. Add to that internal tensions, an isolation of the coach and a lack of clear collective project. Staying in the current economic situation means risking to stagnate among sympathetic outsiders, without never reaching the milestone of big players. Future deadlines, qualifications for the next AFCON and regional competitions require a break.

The pillars of a new model
To move from day-to-day management to a sustainable vision, Burkina Faso must invest in sustainability. Here are the key perspectives, inspired by the lessons of 2025 and African best practices such as Morocco or Senegal. The objective analyses of Daouda Sanou Ake, former National Technical Director (DTN) and football observer expert in Burkina Faso, highlight the strengthening of governance and federal structures:

The Burkina Faso Football Federation (FBF) must establish a strong and scientific National Technical Directorate (DTN), independent of political influences. The priority will be to redefine roles where technique takes precedence, with administrative and financial services at the service of the athlete. Regular audits and increased transparency could attract private investors, avoiding recurrent financial crises.

Investing in training and human capital:
The cultural problem identified in 2025, a deficit of 'behavioural logic' among attackers and midfielders, affects the entire national football. To do this, a national youth training plan is needed, in partnership with European academies such as FC Metz or Ajax Amsterdam or even Chelsea. Bet on the 'marriage of generations' by integrating U-20 and U-23 talents into seniors to ensure a smooth transition.


Develop an identity and evolutionary game project:
Historically, the Étalons du Burkina Faso excelled in counterattack and adverse disturbance. Today, it is necessary to modernize this by working on tactical precision, ball exits, and a more varied offensive culture. Extended internships, friendly matches against high-level nations (Europe or Asia), and the use of analytical data such as video scouting, advanced stats for scientific preparation. For the AFCON 2027, aim for a hybrid style: solid defensive but bold offensive.

Improve the economic and infrastructural ecosystem:
Sustainability rhymes with professionalization. Thus, it will be necessary to increase public and private funding for modern stadiums, high-tech training centers, and an attractive national championship. Market football through sponsorship, TV rights, merchandising around the Burkina Faso Stallions. Take inspiration from the Moroccan model, where the State invests heavily in infrastructure for a return on investment in terms of performance and image.

Human and collective management at the heart of the project:
No more individualities; place it in the collective by imposing the exemplarity of executives, total commitment, and tactical discipline over 90 minutes. Strengthen the technical staff around the coach with specialized assistants (psychology, physical preparation). Involve supporters, media and diasporas for sustainable support.


Short-term challenges and opportunities
In the short term (2026-2027), Burkina Faso must qualify for the AFCON  2027. This requires immediate reconstruction: new technical staff, integration of young talents like those from local or expatriate championships. But without sustainability, these successes will remain ephemeral. The opportunities are there with more global places and increasing investments. Burkina Faso, a passionate football country, has the potential to join the elite, provided that it digs the 'furrows of the future' rather than closing the gaps.

The time for the refoundation
Staying in the conjunctural, it is condemning the Stallions of Burkina Faso to the eternal role of challenger. Opting for sustainability means building a resilient football, capable of aiming for an African star by 2030. This requires ambition, patience and national unity. The lessons of the AFCON 2025 must not be forgotten. Trainers, managers, players and supporters, work together to transform bitterness into momentum. The Stallions of Burkina Faso deserve better than a random destiny, they deserve a built future.