Burkina Faso have dismissed head coach Brama Traore after being knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations at the last-16 stage.
Burkina Faso have moved quickly to reshape their national team set-up following a disappointing campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, dismissing head coach Brama Traore and his entire backroom staff after failing to meet pre-tournament targets.
The Burkinabe Football Federation (FBF) confirmed the decision after the Stallions exited the tournament at the last-16 stage, where they were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by defending champions and regional rivals Ivory Coast in Morocco. Federation president Oumarou Sawadogo said the outcome fell well short of expectations, with Burkina Faso having set their sights on reaching at least the semi-finals.
The heavy defeat underlined the gap between ambition and performance. Ivory Coast took control early in the knockout tie, with Manchester United winger Amad Diallo opening the scoring and creating another goal before the break, before substitute Bazoumana Toure added a third to seal the contest in Marrakesh.
Traore, 63, had only taken charge in March 2024, stepping in after French coach Hubert Velud was relieved of his duties following a similar last-16 exit at the previous edition of Afcon. Despite signs of progress in the group stage – including victories over Sudan and Equatorial Guinea – Burkina Faso were unable to sustain that momentum when it mattered most, also suffering a loss to Algeria earlier in the tournament.
In its statement, the FBF spoke of “deep disappointment” among supporters and stakeholders, pointing to the contrast between this campaign and stronger showings in recent years. Burkina Faso reached the semi-finals of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and have regularly been viewed as one of the continent’s more competitive sides.
The federation also acknowledged the broader context of frustration, with the Stallions having failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As a result, officials believe a reset is required to realign the team with its long-term objectives.
Thanking Traore and his staff for their service, the FBF said it would immediately begin the process of appointing a new coaching team. Attention now turns to rebuilding ahead of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with Burkina Faso aiming to restore the positive trajectory that has previously made them a force in African football.