Into the fray

Burkina Faso's Traore steps off Anderlecht bench

OUAGADOUGOU (Reuters) -- Burkina Faso will be missing their most experienced players at the African Nations Cup finals, leaving the stage open for young Belgian-based defender Lamine Traore to step into the spotlight.

The absence of key stars injured or ignored for the tournament has opened up opportunities for the likes of Traore.

The 19-year-old plays for Belgian champions Anderlecht but after a few appearances earlier in the season he has lost his place in the side.

He made his in February 2001 against Charleroi and then got to play in two Champions League matches, against Real Madrid and Lazio, before going back to the bench.

So transient was his impact that Anderlecht's official web site still does not have him listed in their first team squad and the player complained in a recent magazine interview that he was not allowed into the first team dressing room except for the time he featured in the team.

Traore, a right back for the Burkina Faso national side but who has played as stopper for Anderlecht, is a product of Burkina Faso's Planete Champions academy, which has been a springboard for several young west Africans to find clubs in Europe.

Traore made his national team debut last January against Angola in the Nations Cup qualifiers.

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