Amad Diallo delivered a standout performance as defending champions Ivory Coast booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, cruising to a convincing victory over Burkina Faso in Morocco.

The Manchester United winger was the catalyst for an assured Elephants display, scoring once and providing an assist as Emerse Fae’s side underlined their status as serious contenders to retain the continental crown.

Ivory Coast struck first in the 20th minute, with Amad showing strength and composure inside the penalty area. After muscling past two defenders, the 21-year-old calmly lifted a delicate finish over goalkeeper Herve Koffi from close range to break the deadlock.

Just 12 minutes later, Amad turned provider. Picking up possession on the right, he slipped a perfectly weighted pass to Yan Diomande, who curled a precise effort beyond the wrong-footed Koffi from the edge of the box to double Ivory Coast’s advantage.

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Burkina Faso Threatened but Ivory Coast Held Firm

Burkina Faso, known as the Stallions, nearly pulled a goal back before the interval. Dango Ouattara came agonisingly close with a right-footed strike from a tight angle, only to see his effort crash against the base of the left-hand post and rebound safely into the arms of Yahia Fofana.

The Brentford forward was again denied shortly after the hour mark when Fofana produced a sharp reaction save with his right boot to keep Ivory Coast firmly in control.

At the other end, Amad almost added a second goal of his own, but Koffi responded with an excellent save to deny the United winger after a slick attacking move.

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Bazoumana Toure Caps Dominant Display with Stunning Solo Goal

Ivory Coast wrapped up the win late on through teenager Bazoumana Toure, who continued his impressive impact off the bench. The Hoffenheim youngster surged forward from deep inside his own half, evaded multiple challenges and finished clinically inside the left-hand upright to seal a commanding victory.

Emerse Fae celebrated enthusiastically on the touchline as his side confirmed their progression with authority, highlighting the depth and balance within his squad.

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Elephants Show Attacking Depth and Tournament Pedigree

Ivory Coast’s attacking intent was evident from the opening exchanges in Marrakesh. Prior to his goal, Amad had already curled a free-kick narrowly wide and driven another effort across the face of goal.

Diomande and right-back Guela Doue also went close before half-time as the defending champions pressed for a third, while Diomande had another shot blocked during a dominant first-half display.

Despite changes by Burkina Faso coach Brama Traore, including the introduction of captain Bertrand Traore, the Stallions struggled to gain a foothold. Ouattara’s chances proved their best opportunities, but Ivory Coast’s defensive discipline and goalkeeping ensured a clean sheet.

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Ivory Coast Set for Heavyweight Quarter-Final Clash with Egypt

The victory makes Ivory Coast the first defending Afcon champions to reach the quarter-finals since Egypt in 2010, underlining their growing momentum in the tournament.

The Elephants will now face seven-time champions Egypt, who defeated Benin 3-1 after extra time, in a blockbuster last-eight encounter in Agadir on Saturday (19:00 GMT).

Egypt were the last nation to successfully retain the Africa Cup of Nations, completing a historic hat-trick of titles 16 years ago. With Mohamed Salah leading the Pharaohs, Saturday’s showdown promises to be one of the highlights of Afcon 2025.

Even without key attackers Simon Adingra and Sebastien Haller, Ivory Coast’s blend of youth, pace and experience continues to impress as they chase back-to-back continental titles.