Burkina Faso and Benin begin their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaigns against each other on Friday, 25 September 2026, with the Group F fixture taking place at Stade du 4-Aout in Ouagadougou.
Both sides are expected to field strong line-ups for the opening match, with Burkina Faso looking to make home advantage count and Benin preparing for the contest without two experienced players.
Burkina Faso
Herve Koffi is expected to start in goal for the hosts, while Edmond Tapsoba should lead the defence. Issa Kabore is likely to operate on the right, with Nasser Djiga and Arthur Zagre completing the back four.
The midfield could feature Ismahila Ouedraogo, Julien Aymard Bationo and Lohann Doucet.
Dango Ouattara is expected to play a key role in the attacking build-up, while Ousseni Bouda and Lassina Franck Traore could form the front three for the Etalons.
Burkina Faso’s probable XI:
Goalkeeper: Herve Koffi
Defenders: Issa Kabore, Edmond Tapsoba, Nasser Djiga, Arthur Zagre
Midfielders: Ismahila Ouedraogo, Julien Aymard Bationo, Lohann Doucet
Forwards: Dango Ouattara, Ousseni Bouda, Lassina Franck Traore
Benin
Benin are expected to use a four-man defence, with Mohamed Tijani and Yohan Roche likely to partner in central defence. Tamimou Ouorou and Rachid Moumini are set to complete the defensive line.
Hassane Imourane and Jodel Dossou should provide the midfield balance, combining defensive work with creativity.
Junior Olaitan is expected to be one of Benin’s main attacking outlets. He could be joined in the front three by Aiyegun Tosin and Rodolfo Aloko, with the trio selected to provide pace and direct running in the final third.
Coach Gernot Rohr will have to manage the absences of Steve Mounie, who is injured, and Olivier Verdon, who is suspended. The available options leave Junior Olaitan as a key figure in Benin’s attacking plans.
Benin’s probable XI:
Goalkeeper: Marcel Dandjinou
Defenders: Tamimou Ouorou, Yohan Roche, Mohamed Tijani, Rachid Moumini
Midfielders: Samadou Attidjikou, Hassane Imourane, Jodel Dossou
Forwards: Junior Olaitan, Aiyegun Tosin, Rodolfo Aloko
The pre-match betting odds list Burkina Faso as favourites at 1.47. A draw is priced at 3.60, while a Benin victory is rated at 6.50.