World Cup 2026 (Q): Burkina Faso outclasses Djibouti

Under pressure after Sierra Leone's victory against Guinea-Bissau (3-1), Burkina Faso responded brilliantly by defeating Djibouti 4-1 this Friday in El Jadida, Morocco, during the 5th day of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Despite the absence of defensive stalwart Edmond Tapsoba, the Stallions quickly took the lead. As early as the 12th minute, Josué Tiendrebeogo opened the scoring with a deflected shot after a poorly cleared free kick. Bertrand Traoré, always decisive, doubled the lead in the 33rd minute with a trademark strike.

Mohamed Zougrana, on his debut, made his mark by capitalizing on a defensive error to score Burkina Faso's third goal (47th). Lassina Traoré completed the offensive showcase with a close-range finish in the 67th minute, following a decisive pass from Dango Ouattara.

Burkina Faso regains second place in Group A

Djibouti then salvaged some pride late in the match with a penalty converted by Samuel Akinbinu (88th), following a foul by Nasser Djiga.

With this victory, Brama Traoré's men reclaim second place in Group A, level on points with Sierra Leone but with a superior goal difference.

Next up is a showdown on Monday against Guinea-Bissau to confirm this momentum.

Amine Jomni |

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African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.