Burkina Faso ended a complicated international window with four points from their opening two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, while a proposed friendly against Argentina was called off because of travel and recovery concerns.

The results represented a mixed start to Amir Abdou’s first campaign in charge. The Stallions drew 1-1 with Benin in Ouagadougou before securing a narrow 1-0 victory against the Central African Republic in Casablanca.

Burkina Faso took the lead against Benin at the 4-Aout Stadium on 25 September 2026, when Franck Lassina Traore converted a penalty in the 20th minute. Benin were awarded a penalty of their own after the interval, with Tosin equalising in the 68th minute.

Three days later, the Stallions claimed their first win of the campaign against the Central African Republic. Aboubacar Sidiki Camara scored the only goal in Casablanca shortly after coming on as a substitute, giving Burkina Faso victory despite a difficult match.

Their planned journey to Argentina then became the main talking point of the international break. Following several problems with flights, the trip was expected to take 14 hours. Burkina Faso ultimately decided not to play the friendly, citing the risk of injuries and the limited time available for recovery.

The Burkina Faso U23 team, who were in camp in Ouagadougou, replaced the senior side for the fixture. They suffered a 7-0 defeat by Argentina.

According to the published standings, Burkina Faso have four points in Group F of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, level with Benin. Mauritania have three points, while the Central African Republic remain without a point.

The Stallions return to qualifying action in November for a match over two legs against Mauritania.

Burkina Faso’s international-window results

25 September 2026: Burkina Faso 1-1 Benin – 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

28 September 2026: Central African Republic 0-1 Burkina Faso – 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

Next fixtures

11 November 2026: Mauritania v Burkina Faso – 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

15 November 2026: Burkina Faso v Mauritania – 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers