Burkina Faso emerge as first team to qualify for 2025 AFCON

Former Aston Villa forward Bertrand Traore scored as Burkina Faso secured a 2-0 victory over Burundi on Sunday, becoming the first team to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Mohamed Konate, currently playing in Saudi Arabia, opened the scoring for the Stallions just five minutes into the match in Abidjan.

Traore, who joined Ajax after departing Villa Park, came off the bench to seal the win with a penalty deep into added time.

The win follows their earlier 4-1 triumph against Burundi just three days prior, also in Abidjan, as part of the Group L qualifiers.

Both of Burkina Faso’s qualifiers were held in the Ivory Coast, as neither Burkina Faso nor Burundi have international-standard stadiums, preventing them from playing at home.

Despite this, Burkina Faso made a strong comeback after their disappointing last-16 exit at the 2024 AFCON, where they lost 2-1 to Mali.

Following that setback, French coach Hubert Velud was dismissed, and Brama Traore took over, leading the Stallions to qualification for the 2025 AFCON.

Under his guidance, the Burkinabe secured a draw with Senegal, a victory over Malawi, and two wins against Burundi.

Senegal, former AFCON champions, could also qualify for the tournament in Morocco if they win their upcoming match against Malawi on Tuesday.

Currently, Burkina Faso leads Group L with 10 points, followed by Senegal with 7, Burundi with 3, and Malawi with none.

It will be the 14th AFCON appearance by Burkina Faso, whose best showing was finishing runners-up to Nigeria in South Africa 11 years ago.

A further eight qualifiers are scheduled for Monday and 15 for Tuesday. The final two matchdays will be staged between November 11-19.

Morocco will be automatic participants at the next AFCON as the host nation, but are involved in the qualifying competition to gain competitive match practice.