Burkina Faso have dismissed head coach Brama Traore and his entire technical bench following the national team’s early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The decision was confirmed on Wednesday by Burkina Faso Football Federation president Oumarou Sawadogo, who cited results that fell short of expectations at the continental tournament.
Speaking after the announcement, Sawadogo expressed deep disappointment with the team’s performance, noting that the federation had set a minimum target of reaching the semi-finals. Burkina Faso’s AFCON campaign came to an end after a heavy 3-0 defeat to regional rivals Ivory Coast, the defending champions, in a knockout match played in Marrakesh last Monday.
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo opened the scoring before setting up the second goal for Yan Diomande ahead of halftime. Substitute Bazoumana Toure sealed the victory for Ivory Coast in the second half. While Burkina Faso recorded group-stage wins against Sudan and Equatorial Guinea, they also suffered a defeat to Algeria, which ultimately complicated their path in the tournament.
The dismissal caps a difficult period for Burkinabè football, with the national team also failing to secure qualification for this year’s FIFA World Cup. Traore, 63, had only taken charge of the team in March 2024, replacing French coach Hubert Velud, who was himself relieved of duties after Burkina Faso exited at the round-of-16 stage in the previous AFCON. The federation is expected to announce a replacement in the coming weeks as the team looks to rebuild ahead of future international competitions.
