Burkina Faso ready for AFCON kick off in Morocco – Minoungou

Burkina Faso national team winger Georgi Minoungou has remained confident they have good talent to challenge for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco from December.

The Stallions have been drawn in a tough group alongside Algeria, Sudan and Equatorial Guinea. However, Minoungou believes they have everything at stake to challenge for a top spot under coach Brama Traoré.

Discussing their group at the AFCON, Minoungou, who plays as a winger for Major League Soccer club Seattle Sounders, said as quoted by CAFOnline.com: “It’s a tough but balanced group. We all know Algeria—so much talent—and Sudan are a very combative side too.

‘I believe we can get out of the group’

“But we trust our qualities: Bertrand Traoré, Dango Ouattara, Hervé Koffi, Arsène Kouassi, André Kaboré… and Lassina Traoré is coming back. There’s real talent in this Burkina side. We’re not afraid. I believe we can get out of the group and spring a surprise.”

He added: “Like any forward, you need to score more to help the team win. I’m working to be more decisive and more efficient. I’m a one-v-one player; I create a lot of chances, but I want to add more assists and more clinical finishing.

“And whether I’m on the pitch or on the bench, I always give 100% for the team.”

On representing Burkina Faso at the AFCON, he said: “It’s a childhood dream becoming reality. I always walk with objectives, ticking them off one by one. If God keeps me healthy and I play my first AFCON, it will be exceptional.

“When I was young, I watched the older brothers on TV. Today, wearing Burkina’s colours is an honour. I’ll give everything, as always, to defend the nation. And why not go all the way—and win AFCON?”

On what mark he would like to leave on the history of Burkinabè football, he said: “I want to be an example of perseverance. I’ve had highs and lows but never gave up. I want young people to remember there are no limits if you believe in yourself.

“I had problems with my eye that could have stopped me playing—in 2023 a severe infection and subsequent surgery left me virtually blind in my left eye—but I fought. I won the Leagues Cup against Lionel Messi, I played the Club World Cup… and still, many doubted me.

“Today I want to show everything is possible. Through AFCON I want to inspire young people in Burkina Faso and beyond never to quit.”

The Stallions will kick off their campaign against Equatorial Guinea on December 24.

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