Burkina Faso, commonly known as The Stallions, began their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) journey in 1978, marking a modest debut with an exit from the group stage.
Their early campaigns saw challenges, with a notable absence until 1996 when they made a return but faced another early elimination.
The turning point came in 1998 when Burkina Faso hosted the tournament. Surpassing expectations, they reached the knockout phase for the first time, progressing to the semifinals after a thrilling victory against Tunisia in the quarterfinals. However, they faced defeat at the hands of Egypt in the semis, ultimately securing a fourth-place finish.
Building on this newfound momentum, Burkina Faso continued to make strides in subsequent AFCON editions. The 2013 tournament marked a historic achievement as they advanced to the final, overcoming challenges and stunning football enthusiasts with their resilience. Topping their group, defeating Togo in the quarterfinals, and eliminating Ghana via a penalty shootout, they eventually fell short to Nigeria in the final.
Recent AFCON performances highlight Burkina Faso’s consistency as a formidable team. Securing third place in 2017 and settling for fourth place in the last edition in Cameroon, The Stallions have become a force to be reckoned with in African football.
As they gear up for the 2023 AFCON, Burkina Faso face a challenging group with Algeria, Mauritania, and Angola. The team aspires to surpass previous accomplishments and clinch the ultimate glory in African football.
2023 AFCON Matches:
- 16 January 2024: Burkina Faso vs Mauritania
- 20 January 2024: Algeria vs Burkina Faso
- 23 January 2024: Angola vs Burkina Faso
Key Players to Watch:
- Bertrand Traoré (Captain): The 28-year-old captain, currently playing for Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates, has remarkably scored seven goals in 18 appearances for the Lions of Chinguetti.
- Edmund Tapsoba: The 24-year-old Bayer Leverkusen defender showcased his value in the last edition of the AFCON, earning a place in the tournament’s best XI.
- Dango Ouattara: The 21-year-old exciting talent who plies his trade for Bournemouth in the English Premier League, is keen on leaving his mark in the upcoming tournament with the Stallions.
Coach Hubert Velud:
Coach Hubert Velud has an extensive coaching background, having managed over 20 teams. Burkina Faso marks his third national team role after Togo and Sudan. The 2023 AFCON presents an opportunity for Velud to leave his imprint on the international stage.
Appearances so far: 12
Best Results: Runner up: 2013
Worst Result: Group stage in 1978, 1996, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2010, 2012 and 2015.
Most capped player: Charles Kaboré with 102 appearances
Captain: Bertrand Traoré
Top scorer: Moumouni Dagano with 34 goals in 83 appearances
The AFCON tournament will start on January 13, 2024 and conclude on February 11.