The land-locked West African team, the 125th team facing Iran in a few days in Kish Island. The team is preparing for the AFCON 2023 is just a few days away. A competition that brings together the best African nations in Côte d’Ivoire. For this 34th edition, Burkina Faso could pull out all the stops. Having finished fourth at the last edition, the Etalons have a strong case for claiming the title in Côte d’Ivoire.
What if the AFCON 2023 was for Burkina Faso? In 12 participations, the Etalons have never managed to lift the continental trophy. Bertrand Traoré’s team-mates could be in for a 13th appearance. Lodged in Group D with Mauritania, Algeria, and Angola, the Etalons could well come out on top.
One final and three semi-finals at AFCON
Burkina Faso can dream of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Semi-finalists on their first appearance in 1998, the Etalons were so close to this goal in 2013 when they reached the final. Unfortunately, they came up against the Nigeria of the late Stephen Keshi. The Super Eagles won by the slimmest of margins (1-0). Since then, Burkina Faso has been doing their best to make it onto the list of winners of this prestigious competition. They reached the semi-finals twice, in 2017 and 2021. Although they have yet to win the competition, the Etalons have gained experience that will stand them in good stead in Côte d’Ivoire.
Bertrand Traoré with his lieutenant Dango Ouatara
If Burkina Faso are to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, they will need formidable strikers capable of making the difference. Bertrand Traoré remains the number 1 attacking weapon in the Burkina Faso squad. For his 4th AFCON, the Etalons captain is hoping to finally win the trophy. African U17 champion and 5th all-time top scorer with 17 goals, the man with 74 caps will be the spearhead of the Burkinabe attack. Bertrand Traoré will not be alone in this quest. He will be supported by young strikers such as Dango Ouatara. A mute performer for his club this season, Dango Ouattara remains decisive for his country. The Bournemouth striker contributed to his side’s qualification for the competition by scoring four goals, including a brace against Eswatini (3-1).
Impressive in Cameroon, Kaboré and Touré to confirm?
Issa Kaboré and Blati Touré made their mark at the 2021 edition. Kaboré rode his right flank for miles. Stunning and unstoppable, Issa Kaboré was impressive defensively and offensively. Best decisive passer of the tournament with four goals, and he was awarded the trophy for the best young talent of the competition. And what about Blati Touré, who was undoubtedly one of the best relay midfielders at the AFCON 2021? Thanks to his touch and passing ability, he delighted Cameroon. The Etalons midfielder was also unstoppable in duels. It’s not for nothing that he was voted “Man of the Match” three times at the AFCON 2021. Like Bertrand Traoré and Dango Ouattara, these two players are hoping to take Burkina Faso to the top in Côte d’Ivoire.
Reinforcements in the Defensive Sector
For this AFCON 2023, Hubert Velud has called up 27 players. And 11 Etalons will be making their AFCON debut. In particular, the French coach has reinforced his defensive line with a number of nuggets who will back up Edmond Tapsoba. Promising novices who could contribute to Burkina Faso’s final victory.
The player to watch: Edmond Tapsoba
Edmond Tapsoba is a right-footed defender known for his sense of anticipation, maturity, heading and recovery. He is also very rarely booked – a very key quality.
His ‘clean’ play on the pitch brings a certain serenity to his defense posture. His good game reading, effective positioning, and excellent heading allow him to intercept numerous balls and cut off most of the opposing offensive plays.
Thanks to his technical quality, he makes good restarts. He is very fast which is rare for a central defender, and he is blessed with a powerful shot. Tapsoba has no difficulty projecting himself forward when the game requires it.
