How Ivory Coast eased past Burkina Faso to set up AFCON 2025 quarter-final against Egypt
SOURCE:The Athletic|BY:Nancy Froston and Ed Mackey
Ivory Coast became the first reigning AFCON champions since 2010 to make the quarter-finals
Ivory Coast became the first reigning AFCON champions since 2010 to make the quarter-finals
Nancy Froston and Ed Mackey
January 6, 2026 at 4:43 PM EST
Getty Images
Ivory Coast 3-0 Burkina Faso — AFCON result
Ivory Coast are heading to the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals after a convincing 3-0 win against Burkina Faso.
It was a dominant first-half performance from the reigning champions and they took a two-goal lead into half-time thanks to smart finishes from Amad and Yan Diomande.
They struggled for the same control in the second half but managed to keep their opponents at bay before wrapping up the victory. Substitute Bazoumana Toure ran the length of the pitch on the counter-attack and finished brilliantly to make it 3-0.
Ivory Coast will face Egypt in the quarter-final on Saturday.
All three Ivory Coast goals were well-worked and well taken.
But my favourite of the lot, if I am allowed one, was Amad’s.
Lovely improvisation in a crowded box, tidy footwork and a cool finish.
Photo of the night
Getty Images
Full time celebration!
Fae and knock out football: A happy relationship
Getty Images
As a reminder, Ivory Coast boss Emerse Fae took over the job at the last AFCON as his team entered the knock-out stage.
Cue a run to the final, victory on home soil and one very happy nation.
That sort of experience counts for something and it showed today.
Samuel Eto'o watching on
Getty Images
Was he doing some homework in case Cameroon come up against Ivory Coast later in the tournament?
Just maybe.
The match was certainly a good watch.
One happy fan
Getty Images
And so the quest to become the first nation since Egypt to defend an AFCON title rolls on.
Extra fuel for the fire in the quarter-final when the two sides meet, with that record on the line.
Egypt up next
Getty Images
That will certainly be a big test for Ivory Coast.
But if they want to be crowned kings of Africa again, they will know that they need to take down the very best teams.
Time for Emerse Fae to get planning!
Amad's on fire
Getty Images
Another starring turn and another goal for Amad tonight.
He is becoming the main man for Ivory Coast, which is no easy thing given their squad packed with talent and some notable absentees.
He will be one to watch in the next round.
The AFCON quarter-finals are set!
Getty Images
Ivory Coast become the eighth and final team to book their quarter-final place at this year's AFCON.
They will face Egypt in the last of the ties in the next round — here is the schedule.
Friday, January 9
4pm – Mali vs Senegal
7pm – Cameroon vs Morocco
Saturday, January 10
4pm – Nigeria vs Algeria
7pm – Egypt vs Ivory Coast
All times ET
A star-studded line-up and all four of those matches will be covered live right here on The Athletic.
Party time!
Getty Images
The bench and Ivory Coast fans certainly enjoyed celebrating that third goal from Toure.
He strike prompted wild scenes of celebration — and who can blame them.
Burkina Faso outclassed
They have enjoyed a really positive tournament but this match was just one step too far for Burkina Faso at AFCON 2025.
Had one of their chances stuck, things could have been different — and to their credit they created plenty and tested Fofana.
But there was still a gulf in class between the teams on the night.
That is how you do it
Getty Images
Ivory Coast deserve huge credit for this performance.
They did not hang around and were on the front foot from moment one. They let their attacking creativity do the talking and did not fluff their lines in front of goal.
Ok, Burkina Faso were able to cause some bother when Ivory Coast should have shut it down but in the end that pressure was of little consequence.
FULL TIME: Ivory Coast 3-0 Burkina Faso
Getty Images
A stunning win from Ivory Coast and a statement win!
They are through to play Egypt in the last eight.
90+2’ Ivory Coast 3-0 Burkina Faso
Ivory Coast are about to become the first defending champions to reach the quarter-finals since Egypt in 2010. Egypt went on to win that edition.
Have Emerse Fae's side broken the curse of AFCON champions?
Four minutes added on
90+1’ Ivory Coast 3-0 Burkina Faso
And to their credit, Burkina Faso continue to push for a goal.
Clinical, comprehensive and convincing from Toure
90’ Ivory Coast 3-0 Burkina Faso
What a run, what a goal that was from Toure!
What a performance from Ivory Coast, too. A statement from the defending champions, lest anyone forget what they are capable of.
GOAL! Toure makes it 3-0
Getty Images
88’ Ivory Coast 3-0 Burkina Faso
Game over!
Bazoumana Toure makes no mistake as Ivory Coast break from one end of the pitch to the other — he carries the ball the whole way and does not need any of his team-mates waiting centrally.
The 19-year-old finishes inside the near post and wraps this one up.
Getty Images
84’ Ivory Coast 2-0 Burkina Faso
The dominant first-half performance has allowed Ivory Coast to start making a few tactical changes, with Saturday's potential quarter-final in mind.
All four of their most attacking players that started the game are being afforded a late rest.
It's a nice luxury for Ivorian manager Emerse Fae, but it could still backfire with Burkina Faso two goals back with seven minutes plus stoppage time still to play.
