Ivory Coast Dominates Burkina Faso 3-0 to Reach AFCON Quarter-Finals

Defending Champions Advance in Style

Defending champions Ivory Coast became the eighth team to reach the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals as they eased past neighbours Burkina Faso 3-0 in Marrakesh on Tuesday, with Amad Diallo delivering another AFCON masterclass. The match, held at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco, was a crucial knockout encounter in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with both West African nations competing for a place in the quarter-finals.

Match Details and Significance

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 fixture between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso was scheduled for Tuesday, January 6 at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Marrakech, Morocco. Defending champions Ivory Coast started their Africa Cup of Nations title defence in perfect fashion, topping a tough group ahead of Cameroon, whilst Burkina Faso’s team confirmed second place in Group E on 31 December with a controlled 2-0 win over Sudan.

Ivory Coast’s Commanding Performance

Having scored twice during the group stage, Manchester United’s Amad again opened the scoring here, adeptly lifting a finish over the Burkina Faso goalkeeper after 20 minutes, before then setting up wonderkid Yan Diomande 12 minutes later to give the Ivorians a commanding lead heading into halftime. It was 19-year-old Toure — a 75th-minute replacement for Diomande — who would round off the contest, as the youngster dribbled from midway inside his own half on a counterattack before prodding home with his left past Koffi at the keeper’s near post.

What’s Next for the Elephants

The Elephants, who were crowned champions on home soil in 2024, will now face Egypt and Mohamed Salah in a quarterfinal tie in Agadir on Saturday, as they become the first reigning AFCON champions since 2010 to win a knockout game in their title defence. This comprehensive victory demonstrates Ivory Coast’s determination to retain their continental crown. Ivory Coast wins 3-0 against Burkina Faso, who completely let their guard down and were unable to do anything against Ivory Coast’s offense. For Burkina Faso, their tournament journey ends at the Round of 16 stage, despite showing promise during the group stages.