Ivory Coast advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso in Marrakech. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo starred, scoring once and assisting another in a dominant display. The win sets up a blockbuster clash against Egypt.
Ivory Coast cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over Burkina Faso in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 on January 6, 2026, in Marrakech, Morocco. The three-time champions, playing as the Elephants, broke a sequence of four draws in their last seven meetings with the Stallions by dominating the first half.
Amad Diallo opened the scoring with a superb solo effort, dancing past three defenders before a deflection helped him lift the ball over goalkeeper Herve Koffi into the net. Shortly after, Diallo's trickery on the right wing led to the second goal; his low cross was cleverly left by Franck Kessie, allowing Yan Diomande to side-foot home from 18 yards. Bazoumana Toure sealed the victory in the 87th minute, breaking free on the left and netting at the near post for his second goal of the tournament.
Ivory Coast fired 21 shots at goal, showcasing their attacking intent after making 10 changes in their final group game to return to full strength. Burkina Faso, who conceded just two goals in the group stage, struggled to respond, with Koffi back from a thigh injury but unable to stem the tide.
The result means Ivory Coast, unbeaten in their last seven AFCON matches, will face Egypt in Agadir on Saturday. This rematches the 2006 final, where Egypt won on penalties after a 0-0 draw. Ivory Coast have won both previous AFCON encounters with Burkina Faso and nine of their 20 meetings overall.
Ivory Coast XI: Fofana; Doue, Kossounou, Ndicka, Konan; Kessie, Sangare, Oulai; Diallo, Guessand, Diomande. Burkina Faso XI: Koffi; Yago, Dayo, Tapsoba, Kouassi; Ouedraogo, Simpore; Ouattara, Nagalo, Irie; Traore.
