Injury woes and selection controversy hit Burkina Faso National team ahead of crucial matches
The Burkina Faso national team, the Etalons, faces challenges as they prepare for upcoming matches against Egypt and Sierra Leone.
Already without captain Bertrand Traoré, they now have to cope with the absence of goalkeeper Hervé Koffi due to a knee injury.
The toll of a grueling season, culminating in the UEFA Champions League final, has left some players physically compromised.
Coach Brama Traoré, who took over from Hubert Velud after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, has faced scrutiny for his selection decisions.
Despite Bertrand Traoré’s and Issoufou Dayo’s good form for their clubs, they were left out of the squad.
Brama Traoré defended his choices by stating a desire to explore other options and build depth within the team.
However, questions arise about leaving out Bertrand Traoré, especially when facing Egypt’s formidable Mohamed Salah.
The decision to exclude a player of Traoré’s caliber, fully fit and in form, raises eyebrows and invites criticism.
The Etalons will need to overcome these challenges to maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming qualifiers.