Burkina Faso: Eight debutants for the AFCON 2025
At the dawn of the competition, the coach Brama Traoré is betting on a resized crop of talents to carry the Burkina Faso Stallions. By integrating eight promising debutants in his final squad, such as Pierre Landry Kaboré or Abdoul Ayindé, into a group of experienced executives, Burkina Faso is betting on boldness and freshness to make it through E group.
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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The African Cup of Nations kicked off yesterday Sunday, and the Stallions of Burkina Faso, under the leadership of Brama Traoré, are preparing to faceoff Algeria, Equatorial Guinea and Sudan in group E. Made public on 8 December, the list of 25 players selected marks a turning point: a clever mix of experience and youth, with several who will discover for the first time the biggest stage in African football.
These newcomers symbolize the emergence of a talented generation, ready to wear high the Burkinabe colors and to perpetuate the tradition of fighting spirit of the Stallions. If some names are already circulating in the European or African championships, others remain little known to the general public of Burkina Faso. This mix of youth and daring could be the hallmark of this selection for the 2025 edition.
The eight new comers
In defence, two left-backs stand out particularly among the novices: Abdoul Ayindé from Genk in Belgium and Arsène Kouassi from Lorient FC in France. Abdoul Ayindé, with his steady rise in power in the Jupiler Pro League, brings solidity and offensive projection. Arsène Kouassi, meanwhile, impresses with his performances in France, where he has established himself as a reliable incumbent. These two talents could well be the surprises of the Burkinabe defensive sector, reinforcing a line already carried by experienced players.
It is especially during the attack that new faces abound, promising spectacle. Pierre Landry Kaboré from Hearts of Midlothian in Scotland, is one of the current darlings of the Burkinabe public. Quickly become a fan favorite thanks to his explosive performances, he wins his first selection at the AFCON and perfectly embodies this rising generation. Alongside him, Georgi Minoungou of Seattle Sounders, in MLS, Lassina Franck Traoré (Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine), Cyriaque Irié of SC Fribourg in Germany and Ousséni Bouda of San José Earthquakes in Major League Soccer (MLS) could also make their debut in the competition. Without forgetting Mohamed Zougrana of MC Alger, who brings a technical touch to the attacking midfielder.
These players, mostly playing in Europe or in MLS, represent the talented Burkinabe diaspora. Minoungou, for example, proved himself in the Leagues Cup and at the Club World Cup, proving that he can shine on the international stage. Bouda and Irié, with their speed and creativity, complete a varied offensive arsenal alongside leaders like Dango Ouattara of Brentford (Premier League - England) and Bertrand Traoré of Sunderland (Premier League - England).
A risky but necessary bet
Brama Traoré, who succeeded Hubert Velud, seems to want to breathe new life into the Étalons du Burkina Faso after a transition period. By focusing on these eight novices, the coach hopes to combine physical freshness, desire and absence of pressure related to the experience of major competitions. It remains to be seen if this youth graft will bear fruit in a competition as demanding as the AFCON. One thing is certain: these eight players will have the eyes of an entire country focused on them from the start of the competition.
Burkina Faso, finalist in 2013, third in 2017, semi-finalist in 2021, remains a respected nation on the continent. With this generational renewal, the Stallions of Burkina Faso could well write a new chapter in their history in 2025.
In a group E where Algeria is the favorite, these new faces could be the jokers of the Stallions. Their freshness, thirst for victories and lack of pressure could destabilize the opponents. As Brama Traoré pointed out, the objective is clear: "Go get the cup." With this rising generation, they have the weapons to dream big and write a new page of their history at the AFCON 2025.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the first match against Equatorial Guinea on 24 December 2025. One thing is certain: these novices are ready to gallop towards glory.