Burkina Faso name final 25-man squad for AFCON 2025

The Stallions blend experience and emerging talent as they target a strong campaign in Morocco.

Burkina Faso head coach Brama Traoré has unveiled his final 25-man squad for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, selecting a mix of seasoned internationals and rising stars who hope to leave their mark on Africa’s biggest football stage.

The Stallions, placed in Group E with Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan, aim to build on their recent strong AFCON campaigns as they prepare for another deep run in Morocco.

Traoré has opted for a compact 25-player list, three fewer than the maximum 28 allowed, reflecting clear confidence in a tightly structured, well-coordinated squad.

Fresh faces earn first AFCON call-ups

The defensive line welcomes two newcomers to the continental stage: Abdoul Ayindé (Genk) and Arsène Kouassi (Lorient), both of whom have impressed in Europe and could make their tournament debuts.

In attack, Landry Kaboré earns his first AFCON inclusion after emerging as a fan favourite in Burkina Faso. He joins fellow debutants Georgi Minoungou, Lassina Traoré, Irié Cyriaque, and Mohamed Zoungrana.

Experienced spine in goal, defence and midfield

The goalkeeping department is anchored by a reliable trio: Hervé Koffi (Angers), Kilian Nikiema (ADO Den Haag), and Sofiane Farid Ouédraogo (Al Hilal SC).

At the back, Burkina Faso boast players competing at elite levels across Europe. Nasser Yacouba Djiga (Rangers), Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen), Issoufou Dayo (Umm Salal), and Adamo Nagalo (PSV Eindhoven) headline a disciplined, tactically mature defensive unit.

They are complemented by Steeve Yago, Issa Kaboré, Arsène Kouassi, and Abdoul Rachid Ayindé, providing both depth and versatility.

In midfield, Traoré relies on a technically strong group including Ibrahim Blati Touré (Pyramids), Cédric Badolo (Spartak Trnava), Saïdou Simporé (National Bank), Mohamed Zougrana (MC Alger), Gustavo Sangaré (Noah), Stéphane Aziz Ki (Wydad Casablanca), and Ismahila Ouédraogo (OB Odense).

A balance of creativity, pressing energy and ball progression defines Burkina Faso’s midfield identity heading into AFCON 2025.

Premier League quality leads Burkina Faso’s attack

Traoré’s forward line features several high-level profiles from Europe and MLS. Bertrand Traoré (Sunderland) and Dango Ouattara (Brentford) provide Premier League experience, while Ousseni Bouda (San Jose Earthquakes), Pierre Landry Kaboré (Hearts), Georgi Minoungou (Seattle Sounders), and Cyriaque Iré (Freiburg) add dynamism across wide and central roles.

At the heart of the attack, Lassina Traoré (Shakhtar Donetsk) leads the line, offering physical presence, technique and proven goalscoring ability.

Coach Traoré says the final list represents a “blend of stability and ambition”, giving the Stallions the tools to challenge the continent’s biggest nations.