- Safiu Kehinde
Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire has booked a quarter-final spot at the ongoing 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) after easing past Burkina Faso with an emphatic 3–0 victory in Marrakesh.
The result which completed the last-eight line-up on Tuesday would see the Ivorians set up a quarterfinals clash with the Pharaohs of Egypt.
Côte d’Ivoire dominated proceedings, with Amad Diallo producing a goal and an assist to inspire a convincing display against the Stallions.
Diallo opened the scoring in the 20th minute, pouncing inside the six-yard box to delicately chip the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.
Twelve minutes later, he turned provider, delivering a low cross that Yan Diomandé converted calmly to double the advantage.
Burkina Faso nearly pulled one back before halftime, but Dango Ouattara’s low strike hit the post and was safely gathered.
The Stallions improved after the break, pressing forward with intent, but met a disciplined and organised Ivorian defence.
Any hopes of a comeback ended in the 87th minute when Ousmane Diomandé finished confidently from close range on the counterattack.
Côte d’Ivoire now travel to Agadir to face record champions Egypt in a mouth-watering quarter-final encounter on Saturday.
The Elephants’ emphatic win underlined their ambition to secure back-to-back AFCON titles in Morocco.