World Cup (Q): Kabore’s hat-trick fires Burkina Faso past Ethiopia

Burkina Faso overcame a resilient Ethiopia side 3–1 in Sunday’s 2026 World Cup qualifying match from Group A. Pierre Kaboré came off the bench to grab a hat-trick, leading the Stallions to a crucial win in Ouagadougou.

🚨GOAL! Pierre Landry Kabore 82′

World Cup Qualification | 🏆 Burkina Faso 2-0 Ethiopiapic.twitter.com/bqjWLo64h8

— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) October 12, 2025

As expected, Burkina Faso deployed attacking tactics but could not break down the defense of the Waliyas in the first half. Stephane Aziz Ki was the main chance creator for the Stallions. The Morocco-based attacking midfielder hit the post in the 39th minute.

The visitors spent most of the half behind the ball, but a combination play between Kitika Jema and Chernet Gugesa almost gave them a surprise goal. Bertrand Traoré and Aziz Ki also missed great chances on the brink of halftime.

In the second half, Ethiopian goalkeeper Firew Getahun pulled off some great saves. Nonetheless, the home side broke the deadlock in the 65th minute through second-half substitute Kaboré, who slotted home from close range after being set up by Steeve Yago.

Under heavy pressure from the visitors, Kaboré doubled the lead eight minutes before time with a superb finish in the box. Ethiopia pulled one back through Binyam Ayten, but Burkina Faso held firm to secure the victory with Kaboré completing his hat-trick in stoppage time.

Burkina Faso wrapped up the group in second place with 21 points, all but confirming a playoff spot reserved for the top four group runners-up unless Uganda win at Algeria by multiple goals on Tuesday. Ethiopia finished fifth in Group A with nine points.

2026 World Cup Qualifying: Final Group A Table

1. Egypt- 26 points
2. Burkina Faso- 21 points
3. Sierra Leone- 15 points
4. Guinea-Bissau-10 points
5. Ethiopia- 9 points
6. Djibouti- 1 point

Updated Table of Group Runners-up

1. Gabon- 16 points [-1 match played]
2. Burkina Faso- 15 points (GD: +6)
3. Niger- 15 points (GD: +1)
4. Cameroon- 14 points (GD: +9) [-1 match played]
5. DR Congo- 13 points (GD: +4) [-1 match played]
6. Madagascar- 13 points
7. Uganda- 12 points (GD: +3) [-1 match played]
8. South Africa- 11 points (GD: +1) [-1 match played]
9. Namibia- 9 points [-1 match played]