Defending champions Ivory Coast secured their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals, defeating their neighbors Burkina Faso 3-0 in Marrakesh on Tuesday. Amad Diallo was once again the standout performer, showcasing his skills in another impressive AFCON display.
The Elephants, who were crowned champions on home soil in 2024, are set to face Egypt and star player Mohamed Salah in a quarterfinal match in Agadir on Saturday. This victory marks the first time since 2010 that reigning AFCON champions have won a knockout match during their title defense.
After scoring twice in the group stage, Manchester United’s Amad opened the scoring with a deft finish over the Burkina Faso goalkeeper in the 20th minute. He later assisted wonderkid Yan Diomande just 12 minutes later, doubling the lead for the Ivorians heading into halftime.
Despite Burkina Faso’s attempts to mount a comeback in the second half, they were unable to find the net, with substitute Bazoumana Touré sealing the victory with a third goal in the 87th minute.
The Elephants started strong, with Amad’s dynamic footwork leading to an early booking for Adamo Nagalo as he halted a counterattack in the fifth minute. Amad then had a low shot saved by Hervé Koffi, which hit the post.
Captain Franck Kessié missed two crucial opportunities to score, but it felt like only a matter of time before the Elephants broke the deadlock.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute after Amad skillfully dribbled through three defenders inside the box, thanks to Evan Guessand’s tireless work to win possession. He calmly lifted the ball over Koffi into the net.
VAR reviewed the play for a potential foul by Guessand, which had been claimed by Burkina Faso players, but ruled the goal valid, giving Ivory Coast the lead in this West African rivalry.
Burkina Faso attempted to slow the pace after conceding, but they struggled to contain Amad, whose run down the right side led to Diomande scoring a powerful effort in the 32nd minute, bringing the score to 2-0.
Before halftime, Burkina Faso’s Dango Ouattara hit the post in an effort to find a way back into the match. After the break, Ivory Coast almost scored again, as Guela Doué narrowly flicked an Amad free kick over the bar.
Ouattara forced a save from Yahia Fofana shortly after the hour mark, ramping up Burkina Faso’s offensive efforts. However, it was 19-year-old Touré, a substitute in the 75th minute, who capped the game with a well-placed shot past Koffi at the near post after a counterattack from midfield.
Having also scored in the comeback victory over Gabon, Touré is emerging as another breakout star in this Nations Cup.
The Ivory Coast will now face Egypt, who have not lost in the quarterfinals since 2002, in Agadir on January 10, as their title defense gains momentum.