By Ameenu Shardow
Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Abdoulaye Soulama has emerged the first choice for the Burkina Faso national team for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
The 32-year-old was in between the sticks when the Stallions hosted Congo last weekend in their opening Group E fixture.
Soulama now travels with the Burkina Faso team to Gabon this weekend where he will be facing Paulo Duarte – the former Stallions’ boss he failed to play under.
The former ASFA Yennega glovesman is however least interested in vengeance which has been associated with his meeting with Duarte.
"I am not under pressure to justify myself to Paulo Duarte, it’s not a two man war, not him against me,†he said.
“I’m only interested to get my country three points through collective effort of my teammates and I."
"I am happy to be back in the team. My two competitors ply their trade in Belgium and its good our coach chose me.
“I fared well in the friendly against Benin. I know this crop of players will do their best to qualify Burkina for AFCON 2013 and the World Cup."
Soulama played an integral role in Kotoko’s league triumph in the just ended campaign but was away on national team duties during the team’s coronation.