Espoir Football Club has emerged victorious in the 5th edition of the Captain Ibrahim Traoré Cup, held on October 4, 2026, in Ouagadougou's Rimkiéta neighborhood. The team defeated Centre de Formation Jeunes Talents (CFJT) in a penalty shootout, securing their second title in the competition. The match consisted of two 30-minute halves, with Espoir Football Club's Moussa Dissa scoring the opening goal in the 14th minute of the second half.
Despite dominating the game, Espoir Football Club was unable to maintain a lead, as CFJT equalized on a counter-attack. The teams were then forced to settle the score through a penalty shootout. Espoir Football Club's goalkeeper, Ouoba Frank Loris, played a crucial role in securing the win by blocking the decisive penalty. This victory marks a successful defense of their title, which they won in a previous edition.
As champions, Espoir Football Club received a prize of 200,000 CFA francs, gold medals, and a set of jerseys. The runner-up, CFJT, was awarded 100,000 CFA francs, silver medals, a set of jerseys, and a ball. AS Monopole, who finished third in the tournament, received 75,000 CFA francs and a ball. The competition was organized by Abdoulaye Sourgou, president and CEO of Groupe Oméga International.
The Captain Ibrahim Traoré Cup was initially known as the Coupe de la révélation, which was established in 2021. After Captain Ibrahim Traoré took power, the competition was renamed in his honor. Abdoulaye Sourgou announced that from the next edition, the tournament will be open to U17 clubs not yet affiliated with the Burkinabè Football Federation, aiming to expand the pool of talents discovered.
Brigitte Ouédraogo, chargé de mission of the Présidence du Faso for the Kadiogo region, praised the initiative, highlighting the role of sports in promoting social cohesion. She emphasized that sports bring people together, allowing them to connect and encourage one another. Abdallah Golo, secretary permanent of the Relève sportive, representing the Ministry of Sports, congratulated the organizing committee and noted that the competition aligns with the authorities' vision of detecting talents.
The final was attended by several traditional leaders, including Koumdayonré Dapoya Naaba, the event's patron, who encouraged the organizers to continue the competition. With 90% of participating clubs already affiliated with the Burkinabè Football Federation, the Captain Ibrahim Traoré Cup has established itself as a prominent football event in the Rimkiéta neighborhood. The upcoming edition's expansion to non-affiliated clubs may provide a pathway for future players to join federal circuits.
The Captain Ibrahim Traoré Cup has become a significant platform for young footballers in Burkina Faso. As the competition continues to grow, it is expected to provide more opportunities for talented players to emerge. The event's success is a testament to the power of sports in bringing people together and promoting social cohesion.
Key points
- Espoir Football Club won the 5th edition of the Captain Ibrahim Traoré Cup.
- The competition will be open to U17 clubs not yet affiliated with the Burkinabè Football Federation from the next edition.
- The event promotes social cohesion and provides a platform for young footballers to showcase their talents.
