Burkina Faso coach Brama Traoré has officially unveiled his final 25-man squad for the upcoming 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, opting for a strategic blend of established European stars and promising emerging talents.
The Stallions, drawn into a challenging Group E alongside heavyweights Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan, aim for a deep run in the continental tournament, building on their consistent recent performances.
Notably, Traoré has submitted a compact squad of 25 players, three below the maximum allowance, signaling confidence in the cohesion and quality of the selected group.
The spine of the team remains exceptionally strong, featuring a high-calibre defensive line led by Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen and Nasser Yacouba Djiga of Rangers.
They are complemented by seasoned internationals like Issoufou Dayo and Adamo Nagalo, ensuring both athleticism and tactical maturity at the back.
The attack will rely on significant Premier League pedigree, with Bertrand Traoré (Sunderland) and Dango Ouattara (Brentford) providing pace and threat on the wings.
Leading the line is Shakhtar Donetsk striker Lassina Traoré, who offers a crucial physical presence and a proven eye for goal.
Traoré’s selection also emphasizes fresh talent, with several players set to make their debut AFCON appearances.
Left-backs Abdoul Rachid Ayindé (Gent) and Arsène Kouassi (Lorient) have been rewarded for their strong club form, injecting new energy into the wide defensive positions.
In the forward line, fan-favourite Pierre Landry Kaboré (Hearts) earns his maiden call-up. He is joined by the rapidly rising Georgi Minoungou (Seattle Sounders), whose emergence in the FIFA Club World Cup has turned a “childhood dream into a national mission,” according to a recent CAF interview.
The coach praised the final roster, stating it captures a “blend of stability and ambition,” giving the Stallions the necessary tools to navigate Group E and compete against Africa’s elite.
Burkina Faso 25-man Squad in Full:
Goalkeepers: Hervé Koffi (Angers), Kilian Nikiema (ADO Den Haag), Sofiane Farid Ouédraogo (Al Hilal SC)
Defenders: Nasser Yacouba Djiga (Rangers), Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen), Issoufou Dayo (Umm Salal), Adamo Nagalo (PSV Eindhoven), Steeve Yago (Aris Limassol), Issa Kaboré (Wrexham), Arsène Kouassi (Lorient), Abdoul Rachid Ayindé (Gent)
Midfielders: Ibrahim Blati Touré (Pyramids), Cédric Badolo (Spartak Trnava), Saïdou Simporé (National Bank), Mohamed Zougrana (MC Alger), Gustavo Sangaré (Noah), Stéphane Aziz Ki (Wydad Casablanca), Ismahila Ouédraogo (OB Odense)
Forwards: Bertrand Traoré (Sunderland), Dango Ouattara (Brentford), Ousseni Bouda (San Jose Earthquakes), Pierre Landry Kaboré (Hearts), Georgi Minoungou (Seattle Sounders), Cyriaque Iré (Freiburg), Lassina Traoré (Shakhtar Donetsk)
