Brama “Chercheur” Traoré (Burkina Faso): “We want to write the history of our national jersey in gold”

Burkina Faso's head coach Brama “Chercheur” Traoré believes the Stallions arrive in Morocco with ambition, belief and a sense of responsibility as they target a strong campaign at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025.

Having secured qualification early, Traoré says his team has benefited from continuity and professionalism in preparation, while praising Morocco’s organisation and infrastructure ahead of a tournament he describes as one of Africa’s finest sporting spectacles.

Drawn in a competitive group alongside Algeria, Equatorial Guinea and Sudan, the Stallions’ coach insists his side will approach the tournament with respect for their opponents, but also with the desire to make history.

In an interview with CAFonline.com, Traoré spoke about conditions in Morocco, Burkina Faso’s ambitions and what makes the Africa Cup of Nations unique.

Cafonline.com : How have you found the conditions in Morocco since your arrival for AFCON 2025?

Brama Traoré : What we have found in terms of conditions is really favourable for all the teams. Everything is in place to allow a good start to this CAF competition, which is one of the best on the African continent. All the top football nations are here in Morocco.

We also know that Morocco is very well organised, and we believe the celebration will be beautiful. God willing.

Have you prepared well for this tournament, and do you feel ready to begin the competition?

Yes, we have prepared very well. We were the first team to qualify for this Africa Cup of Nations, and after that we continued to play our remaining matches with a lot of desire and a great deal of professionalism.

That has allowed us to arrive here in good condition, and we believe the environment is favourable for us to have a very good AFCON.

How do you assess Burkina Faso’s chances in a group that includes Algeria, Equatorial Guinea and Sudan?

We have very good teams in our group. Algeria are a top side, Equatorial Guinea are competitive, and Sudan have shown their quality — we have seen them beat Ghana before.

Everything is possible. We will respect every team because we know they have all prepared well. On our part, we will approach each match with a lot of desire and determination.

What objective have you set for this Africa Cup of Nations?

The objective is to have a very strong campaign and to be present on January 18 in front of the Moroccan authorities, to contest the final against another African team that will have earned the right to face us. This3  is our ambition.

What makes the Africa Cup of Nations different from other competitions?

I think the difference lies in the organisation. The Africa Cup of Nations is very well prepared, not only by the host country, but also by the teams that qualify to take part. That level of preparation these days is what truly sets this competition apart.



Do you believe this team can leave a lasting mark on Burkina Faso’s football history?

Yes, because we have come here with a lot of ambition. We have played a final before, in 2013, and we have also finished third in the past. Now, we believe it is time to write the history of our national jersey in gold. That is important for us. We must give everything, and we will do so to bring satisfaction to our people, who are going through difficult moments. Our goal is to bring joy and ensure that the people of Burkina Faso are proud of their national team.

A final word, coach?

I would like to thank the Moroccan authorities, especially the high authorities of the host country. I also thank the CAF and its leadership, particularly President Patrice Motsepe, who has consistently provided African teams with the means to express themselves. He has also created new competitions, allowing African football to continue growing as nations develop.