OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) – Burkina Faso has appointed Abdou Amir, former coach of the Comoros and Mauritania national teams, to its men’s team, in a bid to qualify for the 2027 African Cup of Nations.
Amir, 53, was awarded the award on Wednesday by the president of the Burkinabé Football Federation, ending what the federation described as a “rigorous vetting” of candidates to replace Blama Traore.
Mr Traore was fired in January. After a disappointing game in the Africa Cup in Morocco where the Stallions were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Ivory Coast.
Amir previously coached Hassania Agadir in Morocco’s top division and is known for building disciplined teams with tactical nous and strong defence.
“Wearing the national team jersey is not a feat in itself; playing for the national team is important,” the French-Comorian coach said during the presentation. “The players need to know and understand that patriotism is important to the team and above all to the country.”
The federation said the team’s performance in Morocco “caused deep disappointment to supporters, national football officials and governing bodies.”
Amir’s first task is to restore his pride.
“I know this last attempt was not successful, but like I said, we will continue to work with the players. I know the players are keen, but I will take a different approach to them,” Amir said. “This generation is unique and not the same as the generation 20 years ago. They need reassurance, guidance and support. So I support them and help them get to that level faster.”
Amir led the island nation of Comoros to the knockout stages of the 2021 African Cup and enjoyed a successful tournament against Mauritania in the next tournament in Ivory Coast.
Burkina Faso was also eliminated in the last 16 of that tournament. However, the Stallions made it to the semifinals of the 2021 edition, losing to eventual champion Senegal.
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