OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) — Burkina Faso has named former Comoros and Mauritania coach Abdou Amir as its men’s team coach and entrusted him with qualifications for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The president of Burkina Faso’s football federation appointed Amir, 53, on Wednesday, ending what the federation called a “rigorous review” of Brama Traore’s successor.
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Traore had a disappointing performance at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in January, being sacked after being eliminated by Ivory Coast in the last 16.
Amir, a former coach of Hassaniya Agadir in Morocco’s top flight, is known for his tactical intelligence and building a disciplined, defensive team.
“Putting on the national team jersey is not an achievement in itself. It is playing for the national team,” the France-Comoros coach said in his speech. “Players need to know and understand the team and especially the country… patriotism is important.”
The federation said the team’s performance in Morocco was “deeply disappointing to fans, national football stakeholders and governing bodies”.
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Amir’s first priority is to restore some pride.
“I know the last attempt was not successful but as I said we will work with the players. I know the players are eager but I will take a different approach with them,” Amir said. “These generations are unique – they are not the same as the generations 20 years ago. They need reassurance, guidance and support. So I will be there to support them and help them get to that level very quickly.”
Amir guided the island nation of Comoros to the knockout rounds of the 2021 African Cup of Nations and also had success with Mauritania at the next World Cup in Côte d’Ivoire.
Burkina Faso also exited in the round of 16 of the tournament. But the Stallions reached the semi-finals of the 2021 World Cup, losing to eventual champions Senegal.
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