Burkina Faso director Mohamed Koffi: “Egypt coach is my friend, it will be a high-level game”

Burkina Faso team director Mohamed Koffi has soken about his side’s upcoming World Cup qualifier against Egypt, calling it a competitive and high-level encounter.

The Stallions will face group leaders Egypt on Tuesday, September 9, at 4:00 PM GMT in the eighth round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers. Burkina Faso currently sit second in Group A, just behind the Pharaohs.

Both sides head into the clash on the back of victories in matchday seven — Burkina Faso thrashed Djibouti 6-0, while Egypt defeated Ethiopia 2-0.

Speaking to the Egypt FA’s official website, Koffi said: “The next match between Burkina Faso and Egypt will be of the highest level and will not be easy for either side. Egypt are first in the group, we are second. Our team is fully ready and aiming for a positive result. Both sides are preparing mentally, and there is no room for mistakes.”

Highlighting Egypt’s attacking threats, he added: “All of Egypt’s players are top quality, but the most dangerous trio are Mohamed Salah of Liverpool, Omar Marmoush of Manchester City, and Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet’ of Al Ahly.”

Koffi also spoke warmly about his relationship with Egypt’s twin the coach and the team director: “I know my dear friends Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan very well. For them, there are no easy matches; every game is a final. That is their winning spirit. Hossam was a great player and now he is a great coach. I admire his personality and passion. I expect a strong tactical battle between him and Brama Traore, and whichever team follows their coach’s instructions will take the three points.”

Looking at the bigger picture, Koffi stressed the difficulty of the next game: “Egypt and Sierra Leone are in first and third place, but the real fight for qualification is between us and Egypt. This makes Tuesday’s match even more competitive and exciting.”

The former defender, who spent much of his playing career in Egypt, closed with a heartfelt message: “I owe my entire professional career to Egypt. This country made me proud of myself. I will never stop thanking the Egyptian people and loving this beautiful nation. I have so many memories here — with Petrojet, Al Masry, Smouha, National Bank, and especially with Zamalek, where I became a champion in 2014-15 and won the Egypt Cup. Those moments will stay with me forever.”

Group A standings – World Cup Qualifiers:

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