Emphatic Elephants power through to AFCON quarters

Defending Africa Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast secured their passage to the quarterfinals of the tournament following an efficient 3-0 win over Burkina Faso in the Round of 16 at Stade de Marrakech on Tuesday night.

Following a frantic start to the match, Ivory Coast manufactured their first corner of the match in the third minute, while Burkina Faso broke quickly with a long range shot that was saved by the goalkeeper.

Amad Diallo proved to be a tricky customer to deal with as he continued to pressure the Burkina Faso backline with darting runs at the 10 minute mark. With two chances created in quick succession, the Ivorians were in control of the tie early on.

The Elephants took the lead through Diallo in the 19th minute after being the dangerman for his nation since the first whistle. After a quick passing move on the edge of the area, the Manchester United star capped off the sequence with a goal from close range.

Ivory Coast doubled their advantage through Yan Diomande shortly after the 30th minute mark, as he opened his account at the showpiece. Again at the forefront of the Ivorians’ attack, Diallo drove the ball forward before picking out Diomande who subsequently guided the ball home on the edge of the box.

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Burkina Faso battled to make the most of their possession on the ball after the restart while Ivory Coast pushed on for their third goal.

As the hour-mark passed at Stade de Marrakech, Burkina Faso started to pose attacking threats going forward but often fell short at the final hurdle.

Then, in a moment that sank Burkina Faso hearts, Bazoumana Toure added a third in the 86th minute to jot down two goals in his last two matches.

The defending champions march into the last eight 🐘 🇨🇮#SSFootball | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/vGeLQ3ZCxn — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) January 6, 2026

With Ivory Coast securing the victory, Emerse Fae and his charges will now face Egypt in a keenly anticipated quarterfinal clash on Saturday.

Ivory Coast: (2) 3 (Diallo 19’, Diomande 31’, Toure 86’

Burkina Faso: 0

Ivory Coast: Fofana, Doue, Kossounou (O. Diomande 75’), Ndicka, Konan, Kessie, Sangare, Oulai (Fofana 81’), Diallo (Diakite 81’), Guessand (Krasso 75’), Y. Diomande (B. Toure 75’)

Burkina Faso: Koffi, Kouassi, Tapsoba, Dayo, Yago (Kabore 71’), Simpore, Ouedraogo (Bouda 79’), Irie (Traore 71’), Nagalo (Toure 42’), Ouattara, Traore (Minoungou 46’)