Defending champions Ivory Coast are through to the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after securing a 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso in their round of 16 encounter at Marrakech on Tuesday, Bold Sports reports.
First half goals from wingers Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande, as well as a late strike from Bazoumana Toure were enough for the Elephants to defeat the Stallions, as they continue their quest to lift the continental title for the second consecutive edition.
Having been the best player on the pitch in the opening stages, Manchester United winger Amad Diallo scored the opener in the 20th minute, finishing superbly from close range for his third goal of the tournament.
Amad was central once again as the reigning champions deservedly doubled their lead in the 32nd minute. The 23-year-old made a darting run down the right before cutting the ball back for Diomande, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, making it 2-0.
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Burkina Faso started the second half positively, hoping to get a way back into the game. However, Ivory Coast came close to making matters worse as fullback Guéla Doué got on the end of Amad’s freekick in the 58th minute, but his flick went over the bar.
Few minutes later, Fofana made a great reaction save at his near post, preventing Ouattara from turning a low cross in. The Stallions continued to grow into the match as time went on, but they were unable to convert their opportunities.
Amad had a huge chance to seal the win in the 76th minute after he was played through on goal by Oulai, but the winger’s shot was saved by the legs of Koffi, with the goalkeeper keeping his team in the game. Substitute Bazoumana Toure wrapped up the victory in the 87th minute, driving the ball from his own half to Burkina Faso’s box before finishing clinically, making it 3-0.
The impressive result means that Ivory Coast will face off against Egypt in a huge quarterfinal clash on Saturday, January 10. The Pharaohs reached the final eight by defeating Benin Republic 3-1 in their round of 16 clash.
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