Burkina Faso U-17 Profile
Burkina Faso will be making their eighth appearance at the TotalEnergies CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations. The West African side is amongst the favourites of the tournament, with five podium finishes to their name.
The former champions lifted their first title in 2011 in what was one of their best performances in the competition.
Preceding that, they finished as runners-up in the 1999 and 2001 edition where they were denied an opportunity to be crowned champions by Ghana and Nigeria respectively.
They head into the tournament with the ambition of securing what has been an elusive second TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON title.
How they qualified
Burkina Faso had to dig deep in a tough WAFU B qualifier played at the University of Ghana. The eight-team competition which involved heavyweights Ghana, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire saw the former champions display grit and determination against some of the zonal union’s best nations.
With the odds heavily stacked against them, the Young Stallions went all the way with a performance that was capped by a 3-1 win over Cote d’Ivoire in the final to secure their place in Morocco.
History in the competition
The West African side has been one of the regulars of the competition, with the Morrocco finals marking their 8th appearance.
Not only have they been regulars, but Burkina Faso have lifted the title in 2011 and runners-up twice in 1999 and 2001, as well as bronze medallists in the 2009 and 2023 editions.
Following their WAFU B Qualifiers success, the Young Stallions have their sights firmly set continental glory.
Key Player to watch
Asharaf Tabsoba will be key for the Burkina Faso’s ambitions. The lethal forward was key in his sides’ WAFU B triumph which was capped off with a stunning brace in the final against Cote d’Ivoire.
Quick and packing a powerful shot, Tabsoba will be one of the star players of Burkina Faso and possibly the competition.
Coach & Tactical Approach
Led by 53-year-old Oscar Barro, Burkina Faso possess a trait many West African nations have, which is strong physical prowess and techniqye,.
While being physically strong, Burkina Faso are equally capable of playing with speed and great technical acumen, with flashes of brilliance from the likes of Tabsoba, who will be a point of reference in attack for the former champions will be.
Tournament Expectations and Group Analysis
Strong title contenders in their own right, the former champions are without a doubt one of the teams to watch in Morocco.
While carrying the favourites tag, the West Africans will have a steep mountain to climb and overcome in a tough Group B consisting of Egypt, two-time champions Cameroon, as well as a highly determined South Africa.
Egypt – Yet to make their mark on the continent at this level since their 1997 success, Egypt have a strong desire and ambition to emulate their seniors who hold the record for the most African titles.
Cameroon – Two-time champions and one of the most successful nations in the tournament, Burkina Faso have a stern test against a side that is looking to reclaim its 2019 title.
South Africa – Runners-up in the 2015 edition in Niger, an exciting squad with plenty of promise looking at claiming its first African title.