AFCON 2025: Ivory Coast brush aside Burkina Faso to reach last eight
Defending champions Ivory Coast booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-0 win over Burkina Faso in their Round of 16 tie at Marrakech on Tuesday.
First-half goals from Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande, followed by a late strike from Bazoumana Touré, ensured a comfortable passage for the Elephants as they remain firmly on course to defend their continental crown.
Amad leads first-half dominance
Ivory Coast set the tone early, with Manchester United winger Amad Diallo emerging as the standout performer.
After dictating play in the opening exchanges, Amad opened the scoring in the 20th minute, finishing confidently from close range to register his third goal of the tournament.
The reigning champions doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute, again through Amad’s influence. The winger surged down the right flank before cutting the ball back for Yan Diomande, who calmly placed his effort into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.
Second-half control and late seal
Burkina Faso showed more intent after the break, searching for a route back into the contest.
Ivory Coast, however, remained composed and nearly extended their lead when Guéla Doué headed over from an Amad free-kick in the 58th minute.
The Stallions created moments of pressure, but were repeatedly denied, including a sharp near-post save by Fofana to keep out Ouattara.
Amad later missed a one-on-one opportunity in the 76th minute, with goalkeeper Hervé Koffi keeping the scoreline respectable.
Any lingering doubt was removed in the 87th minute when substitute Bazoumana Touré powered forward from midfield and finished clinically to complete the 3-0 win.
Quarterfinal clash with Egypt confirmed
The result sets up a heavyweight quarterfinal showdown between Ivory Coast and Egypt on Saturday, January 10.
The Pharaohs reached the last eight after edging Benin Republic 3-1 in extra time, setting the stage for one of the tournament’s marquee fixtures.
