For Burkina Faso’s young hopefuls, taking part in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ is about more than just playing football. “We’re on a mission,” Loukman Tapsoba told FIFA.
At just 15 years old, the centre-forward bagged seven goals at the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 to share the Golden Boot (with 17-year-old Alynho Haidara of Côte d’Ivoire). “We want to make our country proud and see our flag flying high in Qatar.”
Coach Oscar Barro shares that sense of purpose. He believes that his “team of fighters” can live up to “the expectations of the people of Burkina Faso”.
“We’re a tight-knit group and we’re determined, just like our country,” said the 54-year-old tactician. “These players are hungry, and they want to show the world who they are.”
The Petits Étalons made waves at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, reaching the semi-finals before falling to Mali 2-0. Their performances during the continental tournament, particularly their 6-1 demolition of Zambia in the last eight, showcased a fearless attacking style, which Barro insists is part of his footballing DNA.
“I was a striker myself, so I’ve always believed that the joy of football comes from scoring goals,” said Barro. “When you find the back of the net, you’re not just happy yourself, you lift an entire nation. If you ask fans, 90% will tell you they want attacking football. Of course, results matter, but you’ve got to entertain. Without the crowd, football would be meaningless.”
Drawn in Group I alongside Czechia, Tajikistan and USA, the budding Burkinabe will be looking to carry their momentum into Qatar. Tapsoba’s attacking prowess, which Barro has a lot of praise for, will be central to their hopes. “He’s got the lot: he’s quick, strong, good in the air and clinical in front of goal” – a description that certainly ticks all the boxes for a player who idolises Lautaro Martinez.
Tapsoba, who has already caught the eye of many European scouts, is determined to build on his African exploits to help his side “go as far as possible” at the global showpiece.
“I want to score as many goals as I can, set up my team-mates and play even better than I did at the Cup of Nations,” said the teenage prodigy.
Although the coaching staff have set their sights on going deep in the knockout stage, Barro is keeping his feet on the ground. He recognises that the first step will be to excel in the opening phase. “This is the toughest tournament at this level,” he said. “There are no weak teams. With determination, focus and poise, we’ll reach our first goal: to get out of the group stage. After that, we’ll see where the matches take us.”
The Burkinabe boss cites Jurgen Klopp as a tactical inspiration, praising the “intensity”, “structured defending” and “lightning attacks” of the squads coached by the German legend. Barro believes his charges have what it takes to rattle the big names, but they will have their work cut out for them. Their opening test comes on 5 November against a talented USA outfit fresh from a commanding showing in the Concacaf qualifiers.
“My boys never let up; they fight right up to the last minute,” he said. “We’ve got the tools to make the difference and force our opponents to crack. We’re optimistic; we’re ambitious. You’ve got to back yourself but stay humble. We’re a family – a family on a mission.”
