Manchester United winger Amad Diallo delivered a commanding performance as Ivory Coast dismantled Burkina Faso 3-0 on Monday, becoming the first Africa Cup of Nations defending champions to reach the quarter-finals since 2010. The victory confirmed Ivory Coast’s growing authority in the tournament and set up a highly anticipated showdown against Egypt for a semi-finals place.
Diallo was central to everything positive for the Ivorians in the opening half. He scored the first goal and created the second for Yan Diomande before the break, giving his side a firm grip on the match. Substitute Bazoumana Toure later sealed the result in the closing minutes in Marrakesh, underlining the depth and confidence within the squad.
Ivory Coast will now travel south to the Moroccan coastal city of Agadir, where they face record seven-time champions Egypt on Saturday. The significance of this achievement is amplified by recent history. Since Egypt successfully defended the title in Angola 16 years ago, seven reigning champions have failed to reach the last eight. Cameroon and Senegal exited at the last-16 stage, while Zambia, Ivory Coast, and Algeria were eliminated in the group phase. Egypt and Nigeria did not even qualify for those tournaments.
How did Diallo dominate Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso defender Adamo Nagalo struggled to contain Diallo from the opening moments and was yellow-carded after just five minutes for fouling him. Despite Diallo firing the resulting free-kick wide, Ivory Coast continued to dominate possession and territory. Captain Franck Kessie came close with an ambitious effort aimed at the roof of the net, signaling the pressure that was building.
The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute. Diallo surged past several defenders and struck decisively beyond goalkeeper Herve Koffi. Burkina Faso appealed for the goal to be disallowed, claiming Nagalo had been body checked by Evann Guessand, but a VAR review upheld the referee’s decision.
Ivory Coast doubled their lead on 32 minutes in conditions that suited their controlled style of play. Diallo turned provider, sliding the ball across the box to 19-year-old Diomande, whose beautifully bent shot flew into the left corner with no chance for Koffi.
What moments defined the second half?
Burkina Faso showed brief signs of life before the break when Brentford striker Dango Ouattara cut inside and struck the base of the post. Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana reacted quickly to gather the rebound. Coach Brama Traore responded with changes, withdrawing Nagalo for Blati Toure and later introducing Georgi Minoungou for Lassina Traore.
The Burkinabe enjoyed more possession after the restart and came close on the hour when Ouattara met a low cross, forcing Fofana into a sharp save at his near post. Bertrand Traore was also introduced with 20 minutes remaining, marking his sixth AFCON appearance after making his debut in 2012 at just 16 years old.
Ivory Coast remained dangerous on the counter. Diallo nearly added a second goal, but Koffi blocked his close-range effort. The third goal arrived in the 87th minute when substitute Bazoumana Toure surged from his own half and finished powerfully past Koffi, confirming a dominant performance.
By Yockshard Enyendi