The knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations roared to life as the defending champions, Côte d’Ivoire, delivered a statement performance. In a commanding 3–0 victory over Burkina Faso in Marrakesh, the Elephants not only booked their quarterfinal ticket but also sent a clear message to the rest of the continent: their title defense is serious business. This result completes the final eight, setting the stage for a titanic clash against record champions Egypt.
Quarter-finals: A Masterclass in Control and Clinical Finishing
By Victor Okoye
FÈS (Morocco), Jan. 6, 2026 (NAN) – The narrative of a champion’s resilience continues. In a display that blended tactical discipline with explosive attacking flair, Côte d’Ivoire dismantled a spirited Burkina Faso side. The victory, following Algeria’s narrow extra-time win over DR Congo earlier, finalized a tantalizing quarterfinal lineup.
The match was a tale of two halves, defined by Ivorian efficiency. The Stallions of Burkina Faso, known for their physicality and heart, were systematically picked apart in the first 45 minutes. The architect was Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, whose performance underscored his evolution from a promising talent to a genuine continental superstar.
Deconstructing the Victory: Key Moments and Tactical Insights
1. Diallo’s Moment of Magic (20’): The opening goal was a lesson in composure. Diallo’s movement to find space in a congested six-yard box was intelligent, but his finish—a delicate, lifted chip over the onrushing goalkeeper—was pure class. It’s the kind of calmness under pressure that separates good teams from champions, effectively silencing the Burkinabè support and settling any early Ivorian nerves.
2. The Provider’s Touch (32’): Just twelve minutes later, Diallo switched roles. Demonstrating his versatility, he drove to the byline and delivered a perfectly weighted, low cross that bypassed the defense. Yan Diomandé’s calm, first-time finish highlighted the team’s understanding and the lethal nature of their transitions. At 2-0 before halftime, the tactical blueprint was executed flawlessly.
3. Weathering the Storm & The Knockout Blow: True to their character, Burkina Faso emerged aggressively in the second half. Dango Ouattara’s first-half shot that struck the post was a warning, and the Stallions applied sustained pressure. However, they met a Côte d’Ivoire defense, marshaled by the excellent Ousmane Diomandé, that was both organized and resilient. This period was crucial; it showed the Elephants can defend a lead with grit, not just extend it with flair. The comeback was finally extinguished in the 87th minute on a classic counter-attack, with Ousmane Diomandé applying a confident finish to seal a comprehensive 3-0 win.
The Road Ahead: A Clash of Titans in Agadir
The victory sets up a quarterfinal for the ages. Côte d’Ivoire now travels to Agadir to face the Pharaohs of Egypt on Saturday. This is more than just a match; it’s a collision of African football heritage. Egypt, the most successful nation in AFCON history with seven titles, represents the established dynasty. Côte d’Ivoire, the reigning champion, embodies the current standard-bearer. The tactical duel between the Ivorians’ powerful, direct style and Egypt’s typically organized and patient approach will be fascinating.
For Côte d’Ivoire, this emphatic win serves dual purposes: it builds formidable momentum and reaffirms their status as the team to beat. Their ambition to secure back-to-back titles—a rare feat last achieved by Egypt from 2006 to 2010—looks increasingly credible. For Burkina Faso, the journey ends, but their fight in the second half deserves respect. The stage in Agadir, however, is now set for a monumental chapter in AFCON history.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
VO/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
