AFCON 2025:Youthful Ivory Coast Dominate Burkina Faso To Book Egypt Showdown

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By Sedara Philip

Ivory Coast’s new generation announced themselves in emphatic fashion on Tuesday as the Elephants recorded a commanding 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso in their Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 clash in Marrakech, Morocco.

Manchester United winger Amad Diallo and emerging talent Yan Diomande once again stole the spotlight, each finding the back of the net as the defending champions cruised past their West African rivals. A late strike from Hoffenheim forward Bazoumana Touré sealed a dominant performance that underlined Ivory Coast’s growing confidence in the tournament.

The Ivorians set the tempo from the opening whistle, asserting their authority in the early stages. Diallo was a constant menace down the right flank, bursting clear in the 8th minute before firing narrowly wide. Captain Franck Kessié also tested Burkina Faso’s resolve with a curling effort that drifted off target.

The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute after Evann Guessand showed excellent composure on the edge of the box. A loose ball fell invitingly to Diallo, who calmly lifted a delightful finish over advancing goalkeeper Hervé Koffi to give Ivory Coast the lead.

Diallo’s influence continued to grow, and just past the half-hour mark, he turned provider. His low, driven cross found Diomande inside the area, and the youngster made no mistake with a precise finish into the corner, leaving Koffi rooted to the spot as the Elephants went into the break with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.

With the cushion established, Ivory Coast adopted a more measured approach in the second half, allowing Burkina Faso more of the ball while remaining defensively solid. The Stallions searched for a way back, but their efforts were largely contained. Defender Edmond Tapsoba came closest from a free kick outside the penalty area, only to see his effort blocked by the Ivorian wall.

Both sides exchanged chances in the final stages, with Koffi producing a fine kick save to deny Diallo a second goal. However, Ivory Coast’s superiority was eventually reflected again on the scoreline. Bazoumana Touré broke down the left wing and caught the Burkinabe goalkeeper off guard, squeezing a clever finish in at the near post to complete a convincing 3-0 victory.

The win sends Ivory Coast into the quarterfinals, where they will face Egypt on Saturday in Agadir, as the defending champions continue their quest for back-to-back AFCON titles.