Burkina Faso suffer Morocco defeat in CHAN preparation test

Burkina Faso went down 2-1 against Morocco in a friendly fixture to gauge their preparedness ahead of 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) in August.

In the fixture at Kenitra’s Municipal Stadium, Bouchaïb Arrasi netted the first goal for Morocco in the 58th minute, followed by Younes Elkaabi, who doubled the advantage in the 62nd minute. Papus Nasser Ouattara pulled a goal back for Burkina Faso in the 78th minute.

Burkina Faso, who had originally planned to hold their pre-tournament camp in Cameroon, made a late strategic switch to Morocco to take advantage of world-class facilities at the Mohamed VI Sports Complex and superior logistical arrangements.

With two weeks until their opening Group B clash against hosts Tanzania on 2 August in Dar es Salaam, Burkina Faso coach Issa Balboné views these fixtures as the final proving ground for his players.

Group B is shaping up as one of the most unpredictable of CHAN. Alongside Tanzania, Burkina Faso will face CHAN veterans Madagascar, rising West African contenders Mauritania, and debutants Central African Republic.