Alio on Burkina Faso's hunger to make history in Indonesia

The Most Valuable Player at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations is out to wow the world at Indonesia 2023.

• Souleymane Alio was voted MVP at 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations

• Forward now set to spearhead nation's U-17 World Cup campaign

• Burkina Faso drawn in Group E with France, Korea Republic and USA

When you talk to those who know him best, a picture of two Souleymane Alios begins to emerge.

Off the pitch, it is that of an introvert, someone who says little but thinks a lot about his game and his family, to whom he hopes to provide an easier life thanks to his talent. “That’s my principal goal – my family is my main source strength. Every breath I take and every effort I make, I do it for them," says the Côte d’Ivoire-born prodigy. "My loved ones inspire me to be the best version of myself every day."

On the pitch, however, what you see is an exceptional young footballer, who expresses himself with flair, freedom and conviction. "Souleymane Alio is an unselfish forward with excellent vision,” says Chabane Camara, captain of Burkina Faso U-17. “Things run more smoothy when he plays because of his qualities as a footballer and human being. Everyone falls into step with him."

Nor is this something new. From the youngest age categories to the present day, Alio has been a standout talent. “It’s true – it comes easy to him,” insists Lazare Bansse, the president of the Burkinabe Football Federation.

"Some youngsters appear mature off the field but when they play, we say to ourselves, 'Ah yes, he's still a kid'," saYS Brahima Traore, the Burkina Faso U-17 coach. "Alio always responds in a logical and coherent way. There’s an accuracy to his play which is very rare at his age.

"He is astounding in every department: technically, tactically and in terms of his commitment. He appears to be doing simple things but look more closely and it’s astonishing: he’s very quick with either foot and is capable of playing long. In terms of technique, tactics, athleticism and even mentality, it’s all there. He never gives up; he’s incredible! When you look at him, you find yourself thinking, ‘That's not possible, he can’t be only 16’."

And yet, Traore almost missed out on this exciting talent. "He didn't make a big impression on me when I first saw him. I was assembling a team to compete at the WAFU (West African Football Union) Cup, but I didn't select him. His coach at the time called and asked me to give him another chance, which I did, and I’ve not regretted it."

It was a moment the teenage sensation believes was pivotal in his development.

“Every time I face difficulty in my life, I think back to this period," said the forward, who is on the books of New Stars FC. "I tell myself I simply have to give everything whenever I take to the field.”

It was with this mentality that Alio went into the 2023 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

“We were neither favourites nor outsiders heading into the competition in Algeria, but we expected to challenge," he explained. "Our situation was complicated by the withdrawal of South Sudan, as that left us in a three-team group with Mali, whose exploits in youth football are well known, and Cameroon, the reigning African U-17 champions. Therefore, we had no room for error.”

However, an error is precisely what the Petits Etalons would commit, losing 1-0 to Mali in their opening game. “Despite the defeat, I couldn’t envisage us going home. We’d put in too much effort for our adventure to end in the first round.”

With their backs against the wall, Alio and his team-mates had to respond against Cameroon. “The Cameroon game is my best memory of the competition," he said. "Burkina Faso had the rub of the green that day (laughs).”

Scorer of a brace in his side’s 2-1 win, he won the player of the match award and fired his side into the knockout phase. Then against Nigeria in the quarter-finals, Alio was once again named as the game's outstanding individual as Burkina Faso recorded another fine 2-1 success.

However, the attacker found no joy against a disciplined Senegal defence in the semis, with his team edged out in a penalty shootout by the eventual champions. “We learned lessons from that semi-final defeat,” insists the player. “In Indonesia, we’ll show another side of ourselves and be more dominant, because we’re going to make history in this competition – something our generation deserves.”

The Burkinabes left Algeria with the bronze medal after victory over Mali (2-1), with Alio also taking home the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award, much to his surprise.

"I just played my own game, and the CAF technical study group made its choice," he said. "I really didn't expect it. Other players like Senegal’s Amara Diouf, who excelled during this competition, would also have been a deserving winner. I salute and recognise the talent of all [the players]."

The Petits Etalons are now turning their attention to next month’s FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia: “I can't wait to be there. Our preparations are going very well. We want to achieve big things."

Source: FIFA