Burkina Faso has dismissed head coach Brama Traoré following the national team’s disappointing exit from the Africa Cup of Nations. The decision, confirmed by the Burkina Faso Football Federation president Oumarou Sawadogo on Wednesday, January 14, signals a significant shift in leadership for the Stallions. The team’s performance at the tournament, which included a heavy 3-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in the knockout stages, fell considerably short of the federation’s expectations. Sawadogo characterized the AFCON campaign as a “bitter disappointment,” highlighting that the minimum target set for the team was to reach the semi-finals. This outcome, coupled with the earlier failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, formed the basis for the federation’s decision. The team’s journey in the group stage saw wins against Sudan and Equatorial Guinea, but a loss to Algeria ultimately impacted their progression. Brama Traoré, aged 63, had been appointed head coach in March 2024, succeeding Frenchman Hubert Véluđ. Véluđ himself was dismissed after a round-of-16 exit in the previous Africa Cup of Nations, indicating a pattern of seeking new leadership after underperformance. What is the reason for Brama Traoré’s sacking? The primary reason for Brama Traoré’s dismissal is the Burkina Faso national football team’s failure to meet performance expectations at the Africa Cup of Nations, specifically not reaching the semi-finals as a minimum target. The federation’s president, Oumarou Sawadogo, explicitly stated that the campaign was a “bitter disappointment.” This decision also takes into account the team’s inability to qualify for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, suggesting a broader strategic review of the national team’s coaching staff. The recent heavy defeat to defending champions Ivory Coast in Marrakesh, where the Stallions lost 3-0, served as the immediate catalyst for the announced changes. The goals scored by Manchester United winger Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande, along with a late strike from Bazoumana Touré, sealed Burkina Faso’s exit from the tournament. The coaching change comes after Traoré’s tenure, which began in March 2024. His appointment was intended to bring stability and improvement to the squad. However, the recent results have led to a swift reassessment of his leadership. The federation’s commitment to achieving higher standards in international football is evident in their decisive action. The search for a new head coach will now commence, with the aim of finding a leader who can guide Burkina Faso to greater success in future tournaments and World Cup qualifications. The federation’s focus will be on identifying a coach with a proven track record and a vision that aligns with their aspirations for the national team. This move underscores the high stakes involved in international football and the pressure on coaches to deliver results. The disappointment of the AFCON exit, combined with the World Cup qualification setback, has clearly prompted a need for a fresh approach in the dugout.
