Defending champions Ivory Coast face Burkina Faso in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 on Tuesday in Marrakech. Both teams advanced steadily from their groups, with Ivory Coast topping Group F on goal difference after a dramatic comeback win. The match pits historical rivals against each other, with Ivory Coast holding an unbeaten record in their previous AFCON encounters.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 clash between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso is scheduled for Tuesday night in Marrakech, Morocco. As three-time AFCON champions, Ivory Coast enters the knockout stage with momentum from their group-stage performance in Group F. They began with a 1-0 victory over Mozambique on December 24, thanks to an early second-half goal from Amad Diallo. This was followed by a 1-1 draw against Cameroon on December 28, where Diallo scored before the opponents equalized. Their final group match on December 31 against Gabon was the most thrilling: trailing 2-0 after 21 minutes, Ivory Coast fought back with a goal from Jean-Philippe Krasso before halftime, and late strikes by Evann Guessand and Bazoumana Toure in stoppage time secured a 3-2 win, ensuring top spot on goal difference.
Ivory Coast remains unbeaten in their last seven AFCON matches, including four wins, underscoring their strong tournament pedigree. Historically, they have dominated Burkina Faso, winning nine of 20 meetings across competitions, with three losses and eight draws. In AFCON specifically, Ivory Coast is unbeaten against Burkina Faso, drawing 1-1 in 2010 and winning 2-0 in 2012.
Burkina Faso progressed from Group E with mixed results: a 2-1 win over Equatorial Guinea on December 24, featuring a goal from Lassina Traore; a 1-0 loss to Algeria; and a 2-0 victory against Sudan on December 31. They conceded just two goals in the group stage, highlighting defensive solidity.
Team news favors Ivory Coast, who report a clean bill of health after rotations in their last game. Expected lineup: Fofana; Doue, Kossounou, Ndicka, Konan; Kessie, I. Sangare, Fofana; Diallo, Y. Diomande, Guessand. Burkina Faso faces uncertainties, with goalkeeper Herve Koffi doubtful due to a thigh injury and Cyriaque Irie also sidelined. Predicted lineup: Koffi; Yago, Dayo, Tapsoba, Kouassi; Oueraogo, Sangare, Toure; B. Traore, Ouattara; Kabore.
Stats show four of the last seven head-to-heads ending in draws, and Ivory Coast scoring seven goals in the group stage. Analysts predict a balanced contest, but Ivory Coast's experience and attacking depth give them a narrow edge.
