Latest news with #Balboné
CAF
18 hours ago
- Sport
- CAF
Three days to go: 'We're ready to fight for our people' - Burkina Faso coach Balboné
Burkina Faso is determined to make a mark at the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, which kicks off on Saturday, 2 August in Tanzania, one of the three host nations along with Kenya and Uganda. The West African nation will have the honour of playing the opening match of the competition, squaring off against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in what promises to be a high-octane clash. Drawn in Group B alongside the Central African Republic, Mauritania, Madagascar, and Tanzania, the Stallions will look to improve on their past performances in the competition. Led by head coach Issa Balboné, who took over the reins in April 2024, the team recently concluded a vital pre-tournament training camp in Morocco. Despite being one of the consistent participants in CHAN history, Burkina Faso has never lifted the trophy. Balboné and his squad now have their sights set firmly on rewriting that history and making a deep run in this year's edition. In this interview with Balboné shares insights on his team's preparations, ambitions, and what this tournament means for him and his players. A few days before CHAN kicks off, how is Burkina Faso preparing for the competition? It's important to note that Burkina Faso qualified with difficulty. We're fully aware of our situation, but we're working tirelessly to proudly represent our nation in this competition. While CHAN is indeed a celebration of African football, it's still a competition in which we must prove our worth. What takeaways do you have from the training camp you just completed in Morocco? Are you satisfied, and which areas did you particularly focus on? Our primary goal in Morocco was to work on tactical aspects. I'm satisfied with the group. After losing our first friendly against Morocco, we bounced back a week later and won the second match. That was a very good sign, and it gives us confidence heading into the competition. So, would you say Burkina Faso is ready for the opening match on 2 August against Tanzania? We're already in competition mode; there's no turning back. As I said, we're ready to fight and to make the people of Burkina Faso proud. What are your ambitions for this tournament? Like every team present at CHAN, our aim is to go as far as possible. That's what we're working toward. The players are ready and motivated to achieve something special in this tournament. Despite strong performances in previous editions, Burkina Faso has never won CHAN. Have you identified the mistakes that prevented you from going all the way? I believe Burkina Faso was simply unlucky in past editions. Today, we're calling on our supporters to rally behind us and bless this team so we can finally achieve our objectives. You're in Group B with the Central African Republic, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Mauritania. Would you say it's an accessible group? What's your opinion of your opponents? No team at this CHAN is easy to beat. What I can say is that we've prepared well, we're confident, and the players are fully aware of the challenge that awaits them in Tanzania. Do you believe you have the squad you dreamed of for this competition? Yes, I believe we've made solid selections. These are Burkinabe players who are fully ready to give everything for their country. This year, CHAN is being held across three host nations. Do you think that changes anything about the competition? To me, the host countries are close to one another. It's not much different from previous editions. We've seen similar formats in the Africa Cup of Nations before. The only potential challenge might be the varying altitudes, but we're familiar with the region, and we're determined to push hard and meet our objectives. What mistakes must Burkina Faso avoid during this tournament? We must fight for every moment. We need to rely on ourselves and ensure we get out of the group stage before even thinking about the later rounds. What does CHAN mean to you and to the Burkina Faso national team? First and foremost, CHAN is a springboard for the players. For me personally, it's an incredible opportunity that I must seize to propel my coaching career forward.
CAF
20-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Burkina Faso begin CHAN training camp in Morocco with two friendlies against hosts
Published: Saturday, 19 July 2025 Burkina Faso's A' national team have ramped up preparations for their CHAN 2024 campaign with a high-stakes training camp in Morocco, which includes two scheduled friendlies against the Moroccan A' team—starting with a crucial test on Saturday, 19 July at 17:00 GMT. The Stallions A', originally due to hold their pre-tournament camp in Cameroon, made a late strategic switch to Morocco to take advantage of world-class facilities at the Mohamed VI Sports Complex and superior logistical arrangements. The shift signals a bold intent from head coach Issa Balboné and the Burkinabe Football Federation as the team chases continental glory at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship. Friday's session saw the squad train on the pristine turf of the Moroccan facility, with Balboné placing heavy emphasis on tactical drills, building cohesion and refining the team's collective rhythm. The friendly matches against Morocco's home-based national side are expected to serve as pivotal tune-ups. With two weeks until their opening Group B clash against hosts Tanzania on 2 August in Dar es Salaam, Balboné views these fixtures as the final proving ground for his players. Group B is shaping up as one of the most unpredictable of CHAN 2024. Alongside Tanzania, Burkina Faso will face CHAN veterans Madagascar, rising West African contenders Mauritania, and debutants Central African Republic. The 25-man squad selected for the tournament combines experience with raw domestic talent, carefully drawn from the top-performing clubs in the Burkinabe Premier League. Each position has been reinforced to ensure tactical flexibility and resilience across the month-long tournament. For Balboné, who is overseeing Burkina Faso's debut campaign at CHAN, the Morocco camp offers more than training sessions—it's a final opportunity to instil belief, sharpen combinations and forge a competitive identity ahead of the continental showpiece. The team is expected to conclude their Moroccan camp just days before departing for Dar es Salaam, where their tournament kicks off on 2 August at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
CAF
18-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Burkina Faso's CHAN 2024 preparations shift to Morocco for final phase of readiness
Published: Friday, 18 July 2025 Burkina Faso have shifted their final preparations for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) to Morocco, as the Stallions A' intensify efforts ahead of their Group B opener against hosts Tanzania on 2 August in Dar es Salaam. Originally scheduled to hold their training camp in Cameroon, the Burkinabe Football Federation confirmed a strategic change of venue to Morocco, prioritizing better logistical conditions and high-level infrastructure as key reasons for the move. The decision underlines the seriousness with which head coach Issa Balboné is approaching his team's CHAN debut. With less than three weeks before the tournament begins, the local-based Stallions will use the North African camp to finalize tactical systems, build cohesion, and gain valuable match sharpness. A series of friendly matches have been lined up against top opposition during their stay in Morocco, providing Balboné a final chance to assess combinations and player chemistry. Burkina Faso have been drawn in Group B, considered one of the most competitive of the tournament. Alongside Tanzania, they will face CHAN regulars Madagascar, emerging force Mauritania, and debutants Central African Republic. Coach Balboné has called up a balanced 25-man squad that features experienced campaigners and emerging domestic talents drawn from top Burkinabe Premier League clubs. Each position has double coverage to ensure depth across the tournament, which will be held for the first time across three countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Stallions A' will conclude their Moroccan training camp shortly before traveling to Dar es Salaam for the opening match of CHAN 2024 against the hosts. Burkina Faso 25-man Squad for CHAN 2024 Goalkeepers : Sanou Ladji (Sonabel) Konvolbo Mathieu (Rahimo) Traoré Moussa (ASFB) Defenders : Patrick Malo (USFA) Abass Guiro (ASFB) Walid Guira (Sonabel) Andalou Sagné (Customs) Aimé Tologo (Vitesse) Kalifa Nikiema (Customs) Damassi Konaté (Sonabel) Siri Ousmane (ASFB) Midfielders : Enoch Belem (Majestic) Ouattara Christophe (Rahimo) Diallo Moumouni (Sporting) Touré Abdoulaye (Asfa) Tertus Bagré (Real Faso) Chitou Adjibadjé (Real Faso) Atiou Ramain (Sonabel) Baguian Karim (USFA) Sangaré Souleymane (Sporting) Forwards : Youssouf Kaboré (Majestic) Ouattara Eliasar (Majestic) Yves Koutiama (USFA) Ouattara Nasser (Speed) Cedric Barro (Rahimo)
CAF
15-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Burkina Faso name 25-man squad for CHAN 2024
Published: Tuesday, 15 July 2025 Burkina Faso head coach Issa Balboné has named a 25-man squad for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) as the Stallions prepare to take on hosts Tanzania in the tournament's opening match on August 2 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The West Africans, who will be based in Tanzania for the group stage of the competition co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, are aiming for a strong start in a tough group featuring Algeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Niger. Balboné has selected an entirely home-based squad, underlining the federation's commitment to showcasing local talent and reinforcing team cohesion. AS Sonabel leads club representation with four players, reflecting their strong domestic performances, while Majestic SC, ASFB, USFA, and Rahimo FC each contribute three players to the squad. With a balanced mix of youth and experience, Burkina Faso are determined to go beyond the group stage and make a significant impact at CHAN 2024 — a tournament reserved exclusively for players active in their national leagues. 'Our objective is clear: we want to go as far as possible in this competition,' said coach Balboné. 'The players selected have shown consistency in the domestic league and deserve their place in the squad. Now we have a few weeks to fine-tune preparations before we face Tanzania.' The local Stallions will be looking to make a bold statement when they step onto the pitch for the curtain-raiser against the Taifa Stars. Balboné's side will rely on strong defensive organisation, tactical discipline, and the fighting spirit for which Burkinabe teams are known. CHAN 2024 will take place from August 2 to 30 across three East African nations, with Burkina Faso aiming to improve on their previous tournament performances. The competition also offers a crucial platform for local players to attract interest from clubs across Africa and beyond. The squad includes notable talents such as Sanou Ladji (AS Sonabel), Belem Enock (Majestic SC), and Barro Cédric (Rahimo FC), who are expected to play key roles in the campaign. Burkina Faso squad for CHAN 2024 Sanou Ladji – AS Sonabel Konvelbo Mathieu – Rahimo FC Traore Moussa – ASFB Malo Patrick – USFA Guirro Abass – ASFB Belem Enock – Majestic SC Ouattara Christophe – Rahimo FC Guira Walid – AS Sonabel Sagne Andalou – AS Douanes Nikiema Khalifa – AS Douanes Diallo Moumoune – Sporting Cascade Toure Abdoulaye – ASFA Yennenga Bagre Tertus – Real du Faso Tologo Franck Aimé – Vitesse FC Barro Cédric – Rahimo FC Chitou Adjibadé – Real du Faso Konate Damassi – AS Sonabel Sirri Ousmane – ASFB Atiou Ramain – AS Sonabel Baguian Karim – USFA Sangare Souleyman – Sporting Cascade Kabore Issouf – Majestic FC Ouattara Eliazar – Majestic FC Koutiama Ives – USFA Ouattara Papus Naser – Vitesse FC
CAF
02-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Burkina Faso aim high as 2024 CHAN preparations kick off
Published: Wednesday, 02 July 2025 Burkina Faso's quest for TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) glory has begun in earnest with a focused national scouting programme aimed at unearthing top home-based talent ahead of their high-profile tournament opener against Tanzania on August 2 in Dar es Salaam. The West African nation's home-based national side — known as the Local Stallions — is not only tasked with competing in one of the most competitive groups of the competition, but also with symbolically opening the tournament against co-hosts Tanzania at the 60,000-capacity Benjamin Mkapa Stadium at 20:00 local time. Coach Issa Balboné has wasted no time in setting the tone for what promises to be a demanding build-up, launching the first phase of regional pre-selection camps in Bobo Dioulasso with 25 players drawn from the western zone of the country. 'This internship is vital,' Balboné told reporters. 'It allows us to assess the physical and technical level of the players after a tough league campaign. We also want to inject fresh energy by identifying new talent who can add value to our squad.' The initiative forms part of a broader plan to leave no stone unturned in preparing a formidable team that can go toe-to-toe with Group B opponents Madagascar, Mauritania, Central African Republic, and host nation Tanzania. Following the Bobo Dioulasso stint, the coaching team will head to Ouagadougou for another regional camp targeting players from the central zone. According to the Burkinabe Football Federation (FBF), this two-tiered selection process will culminate in the final squad announcement ahead of the tournament's kick-off. Coach Balboné acknowledged the significance of the August 2 curtain-raiser and the pressure of being the team to launch the tournament on foreign soil. 'Facing the hosts in the first game is never easy. But it's also an opportunity to set the tone and show what Burkina Faso football is made of,' he said. The CHAN tournament, reserved exclusively for players active in domestic leagues, offers a rare continental stage for local footballers to shine. With Burkina Faso's top stars absent from recent major tournaments, the Local Stallions see this as their moment to reignite national pride. This year's edition was originally scheduled for February but was rescheduled to August 2–30, 2025, across three East African nations: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The final will be played at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. Burkina Faso's preparation blueprint signals clear intent — an effort to combine grit, grassroots scouting, and national ambition in pursuit of a deep run in a tournament where every match carries weight, and every performance counts.
