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CAF
14-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON: Mali and Burkina Faso to lock horns in semi-final
Some fixtures go beyond the simple scope of a tournament. The upcoming semi-final between Burkina Faso and Mali, set for Tuesday evening is one such encounter. Two neighbouring countries, two proud traditions of youth development, two teams that know, respect but do not fear each other. It All Began in Bamako The background to this match makes the clash even more compelling. The two sides already faced each other twice in friendly matches during their preparation in Bamako (editor's note: one win for Burkina Faso, 2-1, followed by a 1-1 draw), just before travelling to Morocco. "We're aware of their strengths. They have some very talented individuals, but we've also got our reference points," the Burkinabè coach, Oscar Barro explains. Still, there's no room for complacency: "The Malian squad has changed and so has ours. We'll need to adapt and be mentally and tactically sharp." Two nations, One Shared Philosophy of Play The Burkinabè coach openly admits his admiration for Mali. "They're an attacking side with great cohesion. You can tell they've grown up together in elite academies." Mali's fluid, vertical, and technical style contrasts with the power and effectiveness of Burkina Faso's compact unit. The tactical battle promises to be enthralling. "I haven't been sleeping much over the past few days. I keep rewatching their games. Every opponent requires tailored preparation. And this one is especially serious," he says. Across the pitch, Adama Diéfla remains composed and methodical and almost immune to pressure. He knows his squad, nurtured through the principles instilled by Mali's technical department since the under-13 level, is well-equipped for this type of challenge. "We know this Burkina Faso side. We played them in the build-up (editor's note: Burkina won 2-1, then drew) and have observed them here. They press high, play with intensity, and shoot quickly. But we're confident in our own strengths too," he adds. When Diéfla speaks of his squad, it's with the precision of a craftsman: "They're intelligent boys. Yes, they're talented, but more importantly, they're quick learners. They've absorbed our philosophy over the years. We're not going to ask them to change now just because it's a semi-final. We'll stick to what we know best playing our football." Having coached several generations of young Eagles, Diéfla knows that control isn't just about technique. "This team knows how to dig deep as well. They know how to close down spaces when necessary. The real challenge lies in staying composed in the decisive moments." History, But No Need for Revenge Mali vs Burkina Faso is also a story of rivalry. At the 2023 edition, Mali triumphed in the group stages, before Burkina Faso responded by winning the third-place play-off. But this time, revenge isn't part of the equation. "This is a different generation," says Diéfla. "This match isn't about settling scores or proving anything. It's a brand-new challenge."
CAF
10-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON: Burkina Faso vs Zambia - a high-stakes quarter-final
The only team to have won all three of their group matches, Burkina Faso face Zambia for a place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON on Thursday. The two sides approach the match with confidence in what promises to be a tightly contested battle. There's no more room for calculations. Now that it's knockout stage time, every detail matters. Burkina Faso, impressive in the group stage with three wins from three, meet a Zambian team in the quarter-finals that also remains unbeaten. A clash of the unbeaten, and potentially one of the standout fixtures of this round. 'We're approaching this match with caution and determination. It will be a very tough game against a physical side, very different from our previous opponents. But we no longer need to hide. The objective is clear: to go for the trophy', says Burkina Faso coach, Oscar Barro. Having topped their group convincingly, the young Stallions are growing in confidence. A favourite's status that Mohamed Fofana, one of the team's key players, embraces: 'The team spirit is excellent. We're really motivated. It was great to finish first, but now we want to go even further.' For Zambia, this marks a historic milestone. The U-17 Chipolopolo are playing their first ever quarter-final in the competition. But their coach, Ian Bakala has no intention of stopping there. 'Our players are ready. We've already achieved our first goal: qualifying for the World Cup. Now, we're playing for the title. It will be a balanced match, a real 50-50, but I truly believe we will win'. The same sentiment is echoed by his captain, Vincent Mutondo. 'In the dressing room, we always remind ourselves we're here for two things: to qualify for the World Cup and to win the trophy. Tomorrow, we play to win. It's no longer the group stage. There has to be a winner'. Two styles, one goal The match promises to be as tactical as it is physical. Burkina Faso have shone through their attacking prowess and the technical quality of players like Asharaf Tapsoba, praised by his coach for his humility and consistency. 'He scores those kinds of goals in training – it's no fluke', said Oscar Barro. Zambia, in contrast, are notable for their resilience under pressure, as shown in their goalless draw with tournament hosts Morocco. A match that coach Bakala found revealing: 'It was a tactical battle. They were a bit wary of us because we beat them in the last AFCON. Tomorrow will be a different fight'. A clash of ambition Beyond the game itself, it's also a clash of developmental philosophies. Burkina Faso place emphasis on protecting their young talents, with coach Oscar Barro refusing early contact with agents. They need to be protected to ensure their development isn't destabilised, 'he insists. Zambia, for their part, remain calm despite the long journeys and pressure of the occasion. 'We stay focused on our playing style and enjoy the game", concludes Mutondo.
CAF
31-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Oscar Barro, the discreet architect of the Little Stallions
Discreet, talented, rigorous are the adjectives that describe Oscar Barro, Head Coach Burkina Faso's U-17 team. A man shaped by humility and hard work, values rooted in his childhood. "I am a child from the working-class neighbourhoods, if I can express myself that way. It taught me to be humble, to work hard, and to never forget where I come from," he confides. This philosophy is one he applies daily, which is evident in his calm demeanour following their 2-1 victory over Cameroon on Monday, 31 March. "It's a good thing done. We are all football fans, and we know how important it is to start a competition as demanding as this one well," he emphasizes, carefully choosing his words with calm and clarity. A Clear Goal: To Reach Greater Heights But behind this apparent discretion lies a well-defined ambition. After the bronze medal won in the last edition, Burkina Faso wants to take the next step. The country of the Upright Men aims for the top in this category. Barro, who worked as a teacher before fully dedicating himself to football, knows how important transmission and progress are. "After the game we just played, where we showed great tactical intelligence, there's no room for hesitation. We aim for the title," he asserts with determination. The Moment of Genius from Tapsoba To realize these ambitions, Oscar Barro can count on the talent of his players. Loukman Tapsoba, in particular, left a lasting impression with a stunning goal. With a magnificent lob from around forty meters, he surprised everyone, including the Cameroonian goalkeeper Junior Lopez, who was too advanced to react. "It's the most beautiful goal of the competition, and it won't be dethroned," Barro assures. Carving His Own Path Oscar Barro does not see the recent performance of the Little Stallions in the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations as a burden but as a stepping stone. The bronze medal won in Algeria in 2023 is a source of motivation and inspiration. "I wasn't present in 2023; it was my brother, Brahima Traoré, who was on the bench. We grew up together, sharing the same life values and the same vision of football. He encouraged and advised me a lot before my arrival in Morocco." A story of transmission and continuity, but also of a unique identity. While Barro follows in the footsteps of his predecessor, he also wants to leave his mark and build his own legacy. With a promising squad and a methodical approach, he knows his team has the opportunity to make history in Burkinabé football
