Amad Diallo delivered a superb performance as Côte d’Ivoire eased into the AFCON 2025 quarter finals with a convincing 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso in Marrakech. The West African rivals met in the final Round of 16 fixture at the Grand Stade Marrakech, with the defending champions producing one of their most complete displays of the tournament so far.
Diallo threatened early and clipped the post in the eighth minute after beating Edmond Tapsoba Nagalo and drilling in a low shot that goalkeeper Hervé Koffi managed to tip onto the upright. Frank Kessié went close soon after with two quick chances, while Burkina Faso reminded the hosts they were still in the match when Issa Kaboré Irie flashed a dangerous cross across goal.
Côte d’Ivoire’s breakthrough came in the 21st minute and it was all about Diallo’s composure. After a loose ball broke kindly to him, he weaved through three defenders before calmly lifting his finish over Koffi, a goal that was confirmed after a VAR check. Ten minutes later the Elephants doubled their lead. Diallo once again created the opening with a sharp run down the right before cutting the ball back for Yan Diomande, who guided a precise strike into the bottom corner.
Burkina Faso almost reduced the deficit shortly before half time when Dango Ouattara’s near-post effort forced Yahia Fofana into a sharp save, but Côte d’Ivoire went into the break firmly in control.
The second half saw Burkina Faso push forward in search of a lifeline. Ouattara again went close in the 62nd minute, only for Fofana to save with his feet. Diallo nearly added a deserved second goal late on but Koffi produced an excellent stop in their one-on-one duel. The match was finally sealed in the 88th minute when substitute Bazoumana Toure broke from deep, carried the ball the length of the pitch and finished confidently at the near post to make it 3-0.
Côte d’Ivoire’s win ends a recent trend that has seen every defending champion since 2010 fail to progress beyond the Round of 16. This was the third AFCON meeting between the nations, and overall Côte d’Ivoire now hold eight wins from 20 encounters, with Burkina Faso having three and nine matches ending in draws.
Burkina Faso bow out of the tournament, while Côte d’Ivoire advance to face Egypt in the quarter finals on January 10 as they continue their defence of the title.
