Burkina Faso win to become first qualifiers for 2025 AFCON / Photo: Issouf SANOGO - AFP
-
Gauff says online abuse was 'draining' after China Open exit
-
England's Nations League surge helps heal World Cup wounds
-
As sector struggles, Porsche puts luxury ahead of volume
-
Mayor of opposition stronghold Izmir defects to Erdogan party
-
'It's personal': Fiji minister pushes better climate finance at pre-COP
-
Mertens beats Gauff to set up Swiatek clash at China Open
-
Russia glosses over dark Soviet past in reinvented museum
-
Benin full of pride at role in Messi's last dance
-
UK tax body opened probe into Man City in 2018: FT
-
France suspends stun grenade use at student protests ahead of PM speech
-
Yemen's Houthis claim new attacks on Saudi airports as conflict deepens
-
Indonesian court hears 'negligence' complaint against state over fires, haze
-
Germany factory production at highest level for 18 months
-
Rubio in Greece to urge against Western civilisation 'decline'
-
Thailand floods death toll rises to 60 since mid-September
-
Micron workers at Taiwan plant vote in favour of strike
-
US pushes Russia for information on plague reports
-
In 'The Social Reckoning,' Jeremy Allen White takes on Facebook's 'frightening' ambition
-
Myanmar leader lands in Malaysia for migrant return talks
-
Chip industry activists call for South Korea to recognise cancer cases
-
Indian central bank hikes rates for first time since 2023
-
Famine-scarred southern Madagascar braces for El Nino
-
US military on Okinawa face curfew, alcohol ban after murder case
-
How the EU regulates lobbyists
-
Fierce lobbying in EU over 'forever chemicals'
-
I.Coast refuge offers lifelong care for youngsters scorned as 'sorcerers'
-
Dodgers beat Braves and Padres avoid sweep in MLB playoffs
-
Indian central bank hikes rates for first time in more than 3 years
-
Mourning, war and elections as Israel marks October 7
-
Hotel Blacklist Launches New Accommodation Industry Risk Assessment Tool
-
Messi says Argentina retirement is 'saddest day of my career'
-
Bangladesh nuclear plant draws hope -- and worry
-
Oil rises and stocks fall as Hormuz worries flare
-
US beat Canada 1-0 to wrap up four-win international break
-
Pacific presses world for help 'surviving' climate change at pre-COP summit
-
Turkey, Australia's joint COP31 leadership raises doubts
-
Verstappen revival to be put to the test in steamy Singapore
-
For Turkish NGOs, COP31 offers rare space for action
-
US woman who survived botched execution is conscious, speaking: lawyers
-
Sleep, appetite, gene-editing experts contend for Nobel chemistry prize
-
Climate champion Australia digging more coal
-
Nobel Peace Prize haunted by the 'spectre' of Trump
-
Emotion, tears as Messi retires from Argentina national team
-
Africa launches own credit agency in bid for cheaper borrowing
-
Dodgers push Braves to the brink of MLB playoff exit
-
US, China, EU: three paths to regulating AI
-
Crisis-stricken Haiti postpones elections
-
Australia's High Court rules against coal mine in landmark climate case
-
N. Korea's Kim pledges 'invariable support' in Putin birthday letter
-
Australia touts new funds for Pacific infrastructure at Fiji 'pre-COP'
Burkina Faso win to become first qualifiers for 2025 AFCON
Former Aston Villa forward Bertrand Traore scored as Burkina Faso beat Burundi 2-0 on Sunday to become the first qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Saudi Arabia-based Mohamed Konate, who has played for nine clubs in a nine-year professional career, netted after five minutes for the Stallions in Abidjan.
Traore, now with Ajax after leaving Villa Park this year, came off the bench to convert a penalty four minutes into added time in the Group L qualifier.
The Burkinabe matchday 4 victory came three days after they defeated Burundi 4-1 in the previous round in another Abidjan stadium.
Both qualifiers were staged in the Ivory Coast because Burkina Faso and Burundi are among 16 nations who cannot play at home as they do not have international-standard stadiums.
Burkina Faso have made an impressive comeback after falling short of expectations at the 2024 AFCON in the Ivory Coast, where they made a last-16 exit after losing 2-1 to Mali.
French coach Hubert Velud was fired and successor Brama Traore has guided the Burkinabe to the 2025 finals after a draw with Senegal, a win over Malawi and two victories against Burundi.
Former champions Senegal will join Burkina Faso in Morocco next year if they win in Malawi on Tuesday. Burkina Faso have 10 points, Senegal seven, Burundi three and Malawi none.
It will be the 14th AFCON appearance by Burkina Faso, whose best showing was finishing runners-up to Nigeria in South Africa 11 years ago.
A further eight qualifiers are scheduled for Monday and 15 for Tuesday. The final two matchdays will be staged between November 11-19.
Morocco will be automatic participants at the next AFCON as the host nation, but are involved in the qualifying competition to gain competitive match practice.
M.Fischer--AMWN
