Côte d’Ivoire continued their title defence at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a dominant 3–0 win over Burkina Faso in Marrakesh to seal a place in the quarter-finals.
The victory confirmed the final composition of the last eight on Tuesday, coming after Algeria edged DR Congo 1–0 in extra time earlier in the day.
The Ivorians controlled the contest throughout, with Amad Diallo contributing a goal and an assist in a polished performance against the Stallions.
Diallo broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, reacting quickest inside the six-yard area to lift the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.
He doubled his impact 12 minutes later by supplying a low cross that Yan Diomandé finished calmly to extend the lead.
Burkina Faso went close to reducing the deficit before the interval, but Dango Ouattara’s effort struck the post and was safely collected.
After the restart, the Stallions showed more urgency going forward but were kept at bay by a well-drilled and organised Ivorian backline.
Any lingering hopes of a comeback were extinguished in the 87th minute when Ousmane Diomandé slotted home from close range on a swift counter-attack.
Côte d’Ivoire will now head to Agadir for a highly anticipated quarter-final clash against record holders Egypt on Saturday.
The comprehensive display reinforced the Elephants’ determination to defend their continental crown and chase successive AFCON triumphs in Morocco.