Elim / CAN2023: Velud unveils its list without Bertrand Traoré but with the return of Mohamed Konaté

Burkina Faso Stallions coach Hubert Velud unveiled Wednesday during a press conference in Koudougou (Centre-West), a list of 25 players without captain Bertrand Traoré but with Mohamed Konaté, for the double confrontation with Eswatini (CAN qualifiers) and Morocco (friendly).

Bertrand Traoré’s injury against Cape Verde on the 5th day of the qualifiers had kept him away from the field for two months. He has recovered but has not yet found the necessary rhythm. The coach of the Stallions therefore wanted to play it safe by not summoning him.

“He’s on the limit and I wouldn’t want to take any risks. You don’t have to tempt the devil. You have to manage it medically, ”suggested the French technician Hubert Velud during the press conference he hosted in the city of the Red Cavalier. The other major absentee is Lassina Traoré again in the infirmary.

Dango Ouattara, back from injury, was still summoned by coach Velud even though he says he does not have all the necessary elements to assess the degree of the injury. “I had him yesterday (Tuesday August 22: editor’s note) on the phone and he says he feels good. He wants to come even if the club is reluctant”, explained the coach of the Stallions Hubert Velud.

On the other hand, the master on board of the Burkinabè team was full of praise for the return of Mohamed Konaté. “Perhaps his time has come. He has returned to an interesting physical level, ”said coach Velud to justify the return of the Burkinabe striker. Absent for a long time, Isamahila Ouédraogo alias N’Golo Kanté also benefited from the confidence of the French technician.

In Hubert Velud’s list there is no local player invited for these two meetings and the coach is satisfied with the fact that the local players he used to call up are now playing away. “It’s positive for me,” he rejoiced. He hopes for the next groupings, to count with the players of the Burkinabe Ligue 1.

Sébastien Koula Tou, goalkeeper (Sabadell, D2 in Spain), is Velud’s new find. “I want to bring the goalkeepers that I don’t know well to see them”, clarifies the technician of the Burkinabè pennant team. This last Spanish bulwark celebrates his baptism of fire in the Burkinabè team.

“We will do everything to win against Eswatini”

By revealing his list for this match of the 6th and last day of the CAN Côte d’Ivoire 2023 qualifiers, the coach of the Stallions has an idea in mind. “We will do everything to win against Eswatini even if they pissed off all the teams in the group,” said Hubert Velud.

He intends to do despite everything, a turnover against the small push of this group B. “It is quite possible that it will turn but I will not turn to turn. You have to be strong,” he said, continuing that “we are here to win games and not to put on a show. We have players who want to prove.

After this official match on September 8 in Marrakech (Morocco) against Eswatini, the Burkinabè team will continue with the international friendly match against the Atlas Lions of Morocco on September 12 in Lens, France, counting for the preparations for the CAN. Ivorian.

“It will be a prestigious match which will be played to sold-out crowds and which will serve us well,” commented coach Velud, mentioning that “the match is being played in front of more than 50,000 spectators. This match will bring experience to the group”. Because the Burkinabè team will go to Côte d’Ivoire with great ambitions. “The players will be extremely motivated. We can topple mountains because our main strengths will be there. Let us pray to God that there are no absentees at the CAN.

After the last group matches, the supreme body of African football, CAF, will draw lots for the different groups. CAN Côte d’Ivoire 2023 will be played from January 13 to February 11, 2024.

Agence d’information du Burkina

as/ata

List of players summoned

Goalkeepers

Hervé Kouakou Koffi (RSC Charleroi, Belgium), Kilian Nikiéma (Ado Den Haag, Netherlands), Sébastien Koula Tou (Sabadell, Spain).

Defenders

Steeve Yago (Aris Limassol, Shypre), Issa Kaboré (Luton Town, England), Issoufou Dayo (RS Berkhane, Morocco), Yacouba Nasser Djiga (FC Balle 1893, Switzerland), Edmond Fayçal Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Adamo Nagalo (FC Nordsjaelland, Denmark), Abdoul Razack Guiébré (Modena FC, Italy), Valentin Nouma (FC Saint Eloi Lupopo, DR Congo).

Midfielders

Dramane Salou (FC Urartu, Armenia), Blati Touré (Pyramid FC, Egypt), Ismahila Ouédraogo (Panserraikos FC, Greece), Adama Guira (Racing Rioja, Spain), Sacha Banssé (Standard de Liège, Belgium), Gustavo Sangaré ( Quevilly Rouen Métropole, France), Aziz Stéphane Ki (Young Africans, Tanzania)

Forwards

Cyrille Barros Bayala (AC Ajaccio, France), Mamady Alex Bangré (Toulouse FC, France), Cédric Badolo (FC Cherif Tiraspol, Moldova), Abdoul Fessal Tapsoba (Amien FC, France), Djibril Ouattara (RS Berkhane, Morocco), Mohamed Konaté (Akhmat Grozny, Russia), Dango Ouattara (AFC Bournemouth, England)

Source: Burkina Information Agency