The 35th Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025 qualifiers commenced on December 21, with hosts Morocco making a decisive start to their campaign. The Atlas Lions secured a commanding two-nil victory over the Comoros Islands, immediately asserting their dominance in the quest for Africa’s most coveted football trophy. This early assertion of strength sets a high bar as other formidable nations, including Burkina Faso, prepare to launch their bids for continental glory.
Morocco, aiming for their second CAN title five decades after their 1976 triumph, entered the tournament with considerable momentum and expectation. Playing on home soil, their inaugural win against the Coelacanthes underscored their status as strong contenders. The nation’s advanced sports infrastructure, currently being tested for its co-hosting bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, provides a significant advantage.
The Atlas Lions boast a robust national team, fresh from winning the Arab Cup and securing a silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games. Their semi-finalist finish at the 2022 Qatar World Cup further cemented their global standing. This consistent high performance is attributed in part to the stability provided by their long-serving coach, who has meticulously built a competitive squad over four years.
Despite Morocco’s formidable start, the path to the CAN title remains fraught with challenges from other African footballing giants. Powerhouses such as Egypt, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Algeria are all vying for the ultimate prize, each demonstrating their intent in early fixtures. Senegal, for instance, delivered a convincing three-nil win against Botswana, signaling their readiness to contend for the championship.
Among the hopefuls, Burkina Faso’s national team, the Etalons, prepares for their crucial opening match against Equatorial Guinea, marking their 14th appearance in the CAN finals. This encounter represents the fourth time these two nations have met, with Burkina Faso holding a slight edge historically, recording one victory and two draws against the Nzalang National. The match carries significant weight for their group stage aspirations.
Equatorial Guinea, however, should not be underestimated, given their impressive track record in recent tournaments. During the last Africa Cup of Nations, they delivered a stunning four-nil defeat to eventual hosts Côte d’Ivoire and reached the Round of 16, showcasing their capacity to upset stronger teams. The Etalons face an opponent known for its resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Burkina Faso enters the competition with a rich history of success, having reached three semi-finals, secured a bronze medal, and advanced to one final. The team is determined to ascend the highest step of the podium this year. Their squad features a core of experienced players who are regular starters for their respective European clubs, including Bertrand Traoré, Issoufou Dayo, Hervé Koffi, Edmond Tapsoba, and Dango Ouattara.
National coach Brama Traoré has articulated clear expectations, stating that anything less than winning the trophy would constitute a failure for the Etalons. The team’s strategy for their opening game against Equatorial Guinea focuses on defensive solidity, tireless midfield play, and clinical finishing in attack. Securing a victory is paramount to build confidence and approach the subsequent critical match against rivals Algeria with composure.
Success in this initial fixture is vital for Burkina Faso to establish momentum and secure a strong position within their group. A confident start would significantly bolster their chances of progressing to the knockout stages, a minimum expectation for a team with their pedigree. The players, led by captain Bertrand Traoré, understand the imperative of a winning start to fulfill their tournament ambitions.
As the tournament unfolds, other key matches are also capturing attention, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of African football. Early fixtures include Algeria facing Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire battling Mozambique, and Cameroon taking on Gabon, all promising intense competition and early narratives in the race for the continental crown. These matches underscore the depth of talent and rivalry across the continent.
