Burkina Faso have recalled experienced defender Issoufou Dayo from international retirement as coach Amir Abdou announced his 25-man squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Mauritania.
Dayo, who announced his retirement from international football in January following the Africa Cup of Nations, has been included in the Stallions’ selection for the third and fourth rounds of the qualifying campaign.
The Wydad AC defender returns to the national team after several months away, providing Abdou with another experienced option as Burkina Faso prepare for the two encounters.
His recall is among several notable developments in the squad announced by the coach on Thursday, 5 November 2026.
Midfielder Josué Tiendrébéogo is also back in the national team setup, having last featured during the Africa Cup of Nations.
Sacha Banse has equally earned a return after spending several months on the sidelines through injury.
The Greuther Fürth midfielder’s inclusion comes after his absence from the Stallions’ squad since November 2024.
The three returns headline a selection that also includes several other familiar faces who have been brought back into the squad.
Goalkeeper Hillel Konaté, midfielder Mohamed Zougrana and forward Cyriaque Irié are among the players recalled by Abdou.
Konaté, who plays for French club Troyes, last represented Burkina Faso in June, while Zougrana’s previous appearance came during the same period.
Irié, who features for German side Freiburg, has also been brought back after last playing for the national team in June.
The inclusion of Banse is particularly notable given his lengthy absence from international football.
The midfielder has been unavailable to the Stallions for almost two years, with his last appearance dating back to November 2024, before his injury setback.
His return provides Abdou with an additional option in the middle of the park as Burkina Faso seek greater creativity and stability during the November international window.
The coach will also be looking to benefit from the experience of Dayo, whose return adds depth to the defensive department.
Despite the number of returning players, the squad does not feature any new faces, with Abdou opting to work with players who have previously been involved with the national team.
Burkina Faso will face Mauritania in a two-legged contest as the qualification campaign for the 2027 AFCON continues.
