Burkina Faso name final 25-man squad for TotalEnergies AFCON 2025, emerging talent called
Burkina Faso coach Brama Traoré has announced his final 25-man squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, combining established internationals with a new generation of players aiming to make an impact on the continental stage.
The Stallions, drawn in Group E alongside Algeria, Equatorial Guinea and Sudan, will look to build on recent strong AFCON performances as they chase a deep run in the tournament.
The squad features a balanced core of Europe-based professionals and domestic talents, with Traoré prioritising positional depth and competitiveness across all departments.
Burkina Faso have opted to submit 25 players — three below the maximum allowance of 28 — signalling confidence in a tight, well-defined group.
In defence, left-backs Abdoul Ayindé and Arsène Kouassi are both in line for their first AFCON appearances. Ayindé has enjoyed a steady rise with Belgian side Genk, while Kouassi has impressed in Ligue 1 with Lorient.
The attacking department also features several newcomers. Landry Kaboré, who has quickly become a fan favourite in Burkina Faso, earns his maiden AFCON selection.
He is joined by Georgi Minoungou, Lassina Traoré, Irié Cyriaque, and Mohamed Zoungrana, all of whom could make their tournament debuts in Morocco.
Experienced spine in defence and midfield
The Stallions’ goalkeeping trio offers consistency and international experience, led by Hervé Koffi of Angers, Kilian Nikiema of ADO Den Haag, and Sofiane Farid Ouédraogo of Al Hilal SC.
The defensive unit features several players competing at the highest levels of European football. Nasser Yacouba Djiga (Rangers), Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen), Issoufou Dayo (Umm Salal) and Adamo Nagalo (PSV Eindhoven) headline a back line that blends athleticism with tactical maturity.
They are supported by Steeve Yago, Issa Kaboré, Arsène Kouassi and Abdoul Rachid Ayindé, completing a group designed to offer both solidity and flexibility.
In midfield, Traoré has selected a technically strong and energetic group, including Ibrahim Blati Touré (Pyramids), Cédric Badolo (Spartak Trnava), Saïdou Simporé (National Bank), Mohamed Zougrana (MC Alger) and Gustavo Sangaré (Noah).
Creative responsibility will also fall to Stéphane Aziz Ki (Wydad Casablanca) and Ismahila Ouédraogo (OB Odense), players capable of dictating tempo and unlocking defences.
Traoré leans on Premier League experience in attack
Burkina Faso’s attacking options feature several players in top form across Europe and the United States. Bertrand Traoré (Sunderland) and Dango Ouattara (Brentford) bring Premier League pedigree, while Ousseni Bouda (San Jose Earthquakes), Pierre Landry Kaboré (Hearts), Georgi Minoungou (Seattle Sounders) and Cyriaque Iré (Freiburg) strengthen the wide and central roles.
Shakhtar Donetsk forward Lassina Traoré leads the line, offering physical presence and a proven eye for goal.
Traoré believes the squad captures a “blend of stability and ambition”, giving Burkina Faso the tools to compete at the highest level.
Burkina Faso’s 25-man squad for AFCON 2025
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)
