Côte d’Ivoire’s pursuit of back-to-back TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) titles gathered tempo on Tuesday night time in Marrakesh because the defending champions booked their place within the quarterfinals with an emphatic 3–0 victory over Burkina Faso.
Targets from Amad Diallo (20’), Yan Diomandé (32’) and Brahima Touré (82’) capped a dominant show by Les Éléphants, who now flip their consideration to a blockbuster last-eight conflict towards report champions Egypt on Saturday in Agadir.
Diallo was as soon as once more the driving pressure behind the Ivorian efficiency.
The Manchester United winger opened the scoring and later offered the help for the second aim, underlining his rising affect and reinforcing the idea that Côte d’Ivoire’s earlier AFCON triumph was no fluke.
Côte d’Ivoire asserted management from the opening exchanges, urgent aggressively and pinning Burkina Faso deep in their very own half. Diallo and Diomandé posed fixed issues with their tempo and clever motion, stretching the Burkinabè defence.
The breakthrough got here within the twentieth minute following sustained stress. A defensive mix-up inside the realm allowed Diallo to pounce, delicately lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper from shut vary.
Twelve minutes later, Diallo turned supplier with a second of high quality, driving a low cross throughout the face of aim for Diomandé, who confirmed glorious composure to manage and fireplace dwelling, doubling the benefit.
Burkina Faso got here near pulling one again simply earlier than the interval when Dango Ouattara burst down the best flank, however his low strike rattled the submit earlier than being gathered by the goalkeeper.
The Stallions confirmed larger intent after the restart, having fun with a extra optimistic spell as they looked for a route again into the competition.
Nonetheless, a disciplined and well-organised Ivorian defence stood agency, repelling wave after wave of stress.
Any lingering hopes of a comeback have been extinguished eight minutes from time.
Breaking swiftly on the counter, Ousmane Diomandé launched Brahima Touré, who completed confidently on the close to submit to place the consequence past doubt.
Côte d’Ivoire noticed out the closing phases with composure to safe a convincing win and a deserved place within the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals.
Heavyweight Quarter-Closing Line-up Confirmed
The conclusion of the Spherical of 16 on Tuesday night time confirmed a star-studded quarter-final line-up as AFCON 2025 strikes into its decisive part.
Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and report seven-time winners Egypt headline the final eight, joined by former champions Senegal, Cameroon, Nigeria and Algeria. Bold Mali and event hosts Morocco full the line-up.
Egypt edged previous Benin after additional time, whereas hosts Morocco superior with a slim victory over Tanzania, roared on by passionate dwelling assist.
Senegal continued their sturdy run with a win over Sudan, and Mali confirmed outstanding resilience by defeating Tunisia on penalties regardless of enjoying massive spells with ten males.
Nigeria underlined their attacking efficiency with a commanding victory over Mozambique, impressed by a brace from Victor Osimhen, whereas Algeria required additional time to see off DR Congo, with substitute Adil Boulbina placing late to seal qualification.
Quarter-Closing Fixtures
Friday, 9 January
17:00 — Mali vs Senegal
