Defending champions Ivory Coast have successfully cruised into the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco, following a commanding victory over Burkina Faso. The match saw a stellar performance from Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, who was pivotal in the Elephants' dominant display.

Amad Diallo opened the scoring for Ivory Coast in the 20th minute. He showcased remarkable skill by bustling past defenders before executing a precise dinked finish past Burkina Faso's goalkeeper, Herve Koffi. Just twelve minutes later, Diallo turned provider, assisting Yan Diomande, who then sent a curling finish past a wrong-footed Koffi from just inside the area, extending Ivory Coast's lead. Burkina Faso, known as the Stallions, sought a response before halftime, with Dango Ouattara coming close; however, his right-footed effort from a narrow angle struck the base of the left-hand upright and rebounded into the arms of Ivorian keeper Yahia Fofana.

In the second half, the intensity continued. Fofana made a smart reaction save with his right boot to deny Brentford forward Ouattara again just after the hour mark. Similarly, Koffi produced a fine stop to prevent Amad from netting his second goal of the match. The Ivorian triumph was ultimately sealed by teenager Bazoumana Toure, who grabbed the third goal late on with a magnificent solo effort. Racing forward from midway inside his own half, Toure beat Koffi with a clinical finish inside the left-hand upright.

This impressive victory underlines Ivory Coast's potent attack and their determined progression through the tournament. Emerse Fae's men had previously topped their group in Morocco after securing a dramatic 3-2 comeback win against Gabon with a stoppage-time goal, a testament to the late drama and resilience that characterized their 2023 Afcon title win on home soil. Their intent was clear from the start in Marrakesh against Burkina Faso, with Amad Diallo having already curled a free-kick wide and flashed another effort across goal before breaking the deadlock. Diomande's goal further emphasized their dominance, as the Ivorians consistently pressed for more, with a shot blocked and a header wide before half-time.

Next, Ivory Coast will face a significant challenge in the last-eight clash against record seven-time champions Egypt. Egypt secured their quarter-final spot by beating Benin 3-1 after extra time on Monday. This highly anticipated