AFCON 2025: Man United star fires Ivory Coast into Quarterfinal Clash with Egypt

Defending Africa Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast marched into the quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso in the Round of 16 at Stade de Marrakech on Tuesday night.

The Elephants started brightly, earning their first corner inside three minutes, while Burkina Faso responded with a long-range effort that was comfortably saved. From then on, the Ivorians seized control.

Amad Diallo was the star of the show early on, tormenting the Burkinabe defence with his pace and movement. His persistence paid off in the 19th minute, finishing off a slick passing move to put Ivory Coast ahead.

The champions doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark when Yan Diomande opened his account, calmly slotting home after Diallo’s driving run and clever assist.

Burkina Faso improved after the break, enjoying more possession and creating half-chances, but their finishing let them down. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, kept pressing and sealed the win in the 86th minute through Bazoumana Toure, who scored for the second game running.

Emerse Fae’s men now turn their attention to a mouthwatering quarter-final clash against Egypt on Saturday.

Match Summary

Ivory Coast (2) 3 – Diallo (19’), Y. Diomande (31’), B. Toure (86’)
Burkina Faso 0

Ivory Coast XI: 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 XI: Koffi; Kouassi, Tapsoba, Dayo, Yago (Kabore 71’); Simpore, Ouedraogo (Bouda 79’), Irie (Traore 71’); Nagalo (Toure 42’), Ouattara, Traore (Minoungou 46’).