With just days to go until the kickoff of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, Burkina Faso head coach Issa Balboné says his side is ready for the battle ahead. The Stallions open the tournament against hosts Tanzania this Saturday in Dar es Salaam, determined to go further than ever before.
Burkina Faso is placed in a tough Group B alongside Central African Republic, Mauritania, Madagascar, and Tanzania. While the West Africans have been regulars in past CHAN tournaments, the trophy has always eluded them. But Balboné, who took charge in April 2024, believes this could be the year they finally make a statement.
“We’re already in competition mode. There’s no turning back. We’re ready to fight and to make the people of Burkina Faso proud,” he told CAF Online.
The team has just wrapped up a key pre-tournament camp in Morocco. After losing the first of two friendlies to the hosts, the Stallions bounced back with a win in the second, a result Balboné sees as a major confidence boost heading into the opener.
“Our primary focus in Morocco was tactical work,” Balboné said. “I’m satisfied with the group. That win in the second friendly was a very good sign.”
Burkina Faso qualified for CHAN 2024 the hard way and are fully aware of what’s at stake. According to Balboné, the squad’s motivation runs deep. “Like every team at CHAN, our aim is to go as far as possible. These are Burkinabe players who are ready to give everything for their country.”
The coach also downplayed the idea that Group B might be easier than others. “No team at this CHAN is easy to beat. We’ve prepared well, and the players know the challenge ahead of them.”
CHAN 2024 is being hosted across three East African countries—Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. Balboné said that while the format is new, it won’t change much for his team.
“We’re familiar with the region. The only variable might be the altitude, but we’re determined to push hard and meet our objectives.”
Reflecting on the Stallions’ past disappointments in the tournament, Balboné believes bad luck has often been the difference. “Now, we’re calling on our supporters to rally behind us and bless this team so we can finally achieve our goals.”
The coach also sees CHAN as more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity. “For the players, it’s a springboard. For me, it’s a chance to move my coaching career forward.”
