…Burkina Faso to face Equatorial Guinea in AFCON opener
Burkina Faso head coach Brama “Chercheur” Traoré has underlined the Stallions’ ambition at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, stressing that his side have arrived in Morocco not to make up the numbers, but with a clear objective of reaching the final and securing their first-ever continental crown, Bold Sports reports.
Speaking to CAFOnline, Traoré said Burkina Faso have arrived at the tournament with belief and clear objectives, following a period of structured preparation and consistency.
“We did not come here just to participate,” Traoré said. “We arrived with conviction, ambition and a responsibility to our people. The preparation has been thorough and now it is time to translate that work onto the pitch.”
Burkina Faso were the first nation to secure qualification for the tournament, a milestone Traoré believes provided valuable stability. He highlighted continuity in squad selection, professionalism within the group and sustained competitiveness throughout the qualifiers as key factors behind the team’s readiness.
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The Stallions have been drawn in a competitive Group E alongside Algeria, Equatorial Guinea and Sudan. Traoré acknowledged the quality of the opposition, stressing the importance of respect for every opponent while maintaining confidence in his own team’s capabilities.
“This is a difficult group, but at AFCON every match must be approached with belief,” he said. “Respect is essential, but we are not afraid. We will compete with intensity and determination.”
Traoré also made clear that Burkina Faso’s ambitions extend beyond the group stage. Having reached the final in 2013 and secured third place in previous editions, he believes the Stallions are capable of challenging for the title.
“Our objective is to go as far as possible,” he said. “The final on January 18 is the target. We have come close before and we believe this group can take the final step.”
Reflecting on the tournament as a whole, Traoré praised the continued evolution of the Africa Cup of Nations, citing improved organisation and professionalism as factors that have raised the competition’s standard.
Beyond sporting objectives, Traoré emphasised the emotional significance of the tournament for his country.
“Our nation is going through difficult moments,” he said. “The national team carries hope. We are playing not only for results, but to bring joy and pride to the people of Burkina Faso.”
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 is being staged in Morocco, bringing together the continent’s best teams in Africa’s premier football competition.
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