The shock is brutal, the disappointment profound. After an intense match, the Étalons conceded defeat in the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Côte d’Ivoire (0-3) on 6 January in Marrakesh, at the Ouahat Sidi Brahim stadium. Between tactical frustration and the sadness of the supporters, how is Burkina Faso coping with this setback? A look back at an evening when fate was not on the side of the Burkinabe national team.
The dream was shattered on the green rectangle. After 90 minutes of fierce battle, the Étalons had to bow out. The final whistle sounded like a death knell throughout Burkina Faso. Tonight, the national team’s heroic run came to an end, leaving behind immense disappointment that matched the high hopes that had been raised.
We didn’t play football. Look at the players, look at the people. Many people paid 15,000 for jerseys without even giving 1,000 francs at home. Because of you guys out there. You are players, you must give the people the dignity of watching football. I, for one, am not happy.
Abdoul Aziz OUEDRAOGO, Étalons supporter
In the streets of Ouagadougou, the electric atmosphere gave way to bitter analysis. But for the Ouédraogo family, it was a match of brotherhood.
I’m not happy, I’m uncomfortable because we didn’t win, but as they are neighbouring countries, brother countries, it really doesn’t bother me.
David OUEDRAOGO, Étalons supporter
Really, it was a joy, but also a little painful, eh.Oh yes. Because I’m in my husband’s country. You can’t show your joy too much like that.
Marie Paule OUEDRAOGO, Éléphants supporter
Defeat is a lesson, not an end in itself. Tonight, Burkina Faso is hurting, but this country of integrity knows that failure is part of learning how to succeed. The Stallions will have to learn from this setback and come back stronger. Because here in Burkina Faso, we never stop galloping.
