Diallo shines as Ivory Coast ease past Burkina Faso to reach AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals
Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande continued their standout displays at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as Ivory Coast cruised to a 3–0 victory over Burkina Faso in their Round of 16 clash on Tuesday night in Marrakech.
The defending champions were in full control from start to finish in a West African derby, with Diallo opening the scoring before providing the assist for Diomande’s first-half strike. Rising star Bazoumana Touré added a late third to cap a dominant performance by the Elephants.
Early Ivorian control sets the tone
Ivory Coast wasted little time asserting themselves, pinning Burkina Faso deep inside their own half during the opening exchanges. Diallo was at the heart of nearly every attacking move, bursting past defenders and constantly testing the Stallions’ back line.
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The Manchester United winger first signaled danger in the 8th minute, darting into space before firing narrowly wide. Captain Franck Kessié followed up with a curling effort from distance that drifted just off target.
The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute. Evann Guessand battled to control the ball on the edge of a crowded penalty area before it fell kindly to Diallo, who showed composure to lift a delicate finish over goalkeeper Hervé Koffi.
Diallo turns provider as Elephants pull clear
Diallo’s influence only grew as the half progressed. In the 32nd minute, his low delivery from the right flank cut through the Burkinabe defense and found Yan Diomande, who guided a calm finish into the corner to double Ivory Coast’s advantage.
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With a two-goal cushion at the break, the Elephants managed the game expertly, limiting Burkina Faso to half-chances and isolated attacks.
Burkina Faso Rally Falls Flat
Burkina Faso attempted to respond after the interval but struggled to break down a disciplined Ivorian back line. Their best opening came from a free kick just outside the penalty area, but Edmond Tapsoba saw his effort blocked by the wall.
Ivory Coast remained dangerous on the counter, and Koffi was forced into a sharp kick save to deny Diallo a second goal midway through the second half.
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The contest was effectively sealed late on when Bazoumana Touré broke free down the left wing and surprised Koffi with a clever near-post finish, putting the result beyond doubt.
Quarter-Final showdown awaits
The win sends Ivory Coast into the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals, where they will face Egypt on Saturday in Agadir. With young stars stepping up alongside experienced leaders, the Elephants continue to look every bit like champions determined to defend their crown.
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