Amad Diallo delivered another outstanding performance on Tuesday night as Ivory Coast comfortably defeated Burkina Faso 3-0 to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The victory at the Stade de Marrakech keeps the Elephants firmly on course in their bid to defend the AFCON title they won in the previous edition, with a quarter-final showdown against Egypt now awaiting them in the last eight.
Ivory Coast started the Round of 16 encounter with purpose and nearly broke the deadlock within the opening quarter-hour.
Captain Franck Kessie reacted quickest to a rebound inside the penalty area, but his powerful effort sailed just over the crossbar, signalling the attacking intent of the defending champions.
The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute through Amad Diallo, who produced a moment of individual brilliance. The winger surged into the box after a superb solo run, calmly sidestepped the advancing goalkeeper and rolled the ball into an empty net to put Ivory Coast in front.
Amad Diallo’s finishes are captivating. Just look. 🇨🇮#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/REbRjnny9O
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 6, 2026
Diallo continued to torment the Burkina Faso defence and soon turned provider. In the 32nd minute, he picked out Yan Diomande inside the box, and the midfielder showed composure to slot the ball into the bottom left corner past Hervé Koffi, doubling the Elephants’ advantage.
Amad played the magic pass, and Diamonde said thank you. 🇨🇮#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/thd8FpxO6y
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 6, 2026
Burkina Faso had a golden opportunity to pull one back before the break when Dango Ouattara showcased excellent technique to carve out space for a shot. However, his effort struck the right post, summing up a frustrating night for the Stallions.
Ivory Coast maintained control after the interval, before substitute Bazoumma Toure netted a third late in the second half to see out the contest with authority.
Scoring the third is becoming his speciality. Bazoumana Toure, take a bow. 🇨🇮💫#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/OvfxmnI11z
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 6, 2026
The convincing win has sent Ivory Coast into the quarter-finals, where they will face record champions Egypt.
