Burkina Faso – Equatorial Guinea: An early clash among ambitious sides

Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea will kick off their respective campaigns at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025 with a competitive encounter on Wednesday at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.

This opening fixture carries particular importance for both teams, given their publicly stated ambitions to go far in this edition of the tournament. As such, a strong start could prove decisive in laying the foundation for a successful tournament run.

Burkina Faso banking on experience

Les Stallions of Burkina Faso enter the match aiming to confirm their steady progress in recent years, having become regular contenders in the latter stages of the tournament.

The Burkinabè side will rely on the balance across their lines and their continental experience to impose their identity from the outset and avoid any early complications in what appears to be an open and competitive group.

Equatorial Guinea ready for the challenge

Equatorial Guinea, for their part, approach this encounter with a strong fighting spirit, fully aware that the opening match presents an ideal opportunity to send a clear message to the rest of the group.

They seek to build on their previous participations, during which they demonstrated their ability to compete with Africa’s top teams. They draw strength from their tactical discipline and team spirit.

The match is expected to feature an intense tactical battle, combining the desire to start strongly with the necessity of securing the first three points. Both teams are also expected to employ a cautious approach, as they understand that any early setback could complicate matters in the remaining group matches.

What was said:

Brama Traoré – Head Coach, Burkina Faso

“We are in Morocco to live up to our country’s reputation, and since our arrival we have focused on addressing the areas where we had shortcomings. We know that every team aims to win its first match in the tournament, and that is a legitimate objective for us as well.

We are here to defend our national flag, and we believe this is the best tournament, with all conditions well provided. In any case, we are aiming to achieve something in this competition.

The first match is just as important as the others. We are targeting a place in the semi-finals and want to give our very best in this tournament.”

Bertrand Traoré – Burkina Faso Player

“We know how important the opening match is for us. It has been 12 full years since we played the Africa Cup of Nations final, and we will give everything to perform at our best.

Taking part in this tournament is very important for us as players; it is clear that we are representing our country. Personally, I want to achieve something for our nation, and we will give our all.”

Juan Micha – Head Coach, Equatorial Guinea

“We are in Morocco to give everything we have and to do everything good for our country. The first match is important for both teams in determining the path ahead.

Burkina Faso are a big team and we respect them. We know it will not be easy against a strong Burkina Faso side with quality players. The respect is mutual, and everyone at this tournament is here to perform at their best.

We hope to give everything we have to continue competing and reach a higher level. This is a high-level competition, and we want to work on both the mental and physical aspects, ensuring that everything goes according to plan.”

Jesús Lázaro – Equatorial Guinea Player

“Our team is fully focused, not only on the Burkina Faso match, but on the entire tournament. We are here to become champions. We have good players and we know this edition of the tournament is special.

We have a strong team, we are ready, and we will see how far we can go in this competition.”