Amad Diallo scored and assisted as Ivory Coast beat Burkina Faso 3-0, becoming the first AFCON defending champions to reach the quarter-finals since 2010
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo starred as Ivory Coast defeated Burkina Faso 3-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 on Monday, becoming the first defending champions to reach the quarter-finals since 2010.
Diallo opened the scoring in the 20th minute, powering past multiple defenders before striking past goalkeeper Herve Koffi.
He then set up Yan Diomande’s 32nd-minute strike, which flew into the left corner after a precise pass from Diallo.
Substitute Bazoumana Toure completed the scoring in the 87th minute, running from his own half to slam the ball past Koffi.
The victory sends Ivory Coast south to Agadir, where they will face record seven-time champions Egypt on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals.
Since Egypt successfully defended the title in Angola 16 years ago, seven defending champions have failed to reach the last eight, including Cameroon, Senegal, Zambia, Algeria, Egypt, and Nigeria.
Burkina Faso were dealt an early setback when defender Adamo Nagalo was yellow-carded after five minutes for fouling Diallo.
Despite a rare attack from Brentford striker Dango Ouattara hitting the base of the post, Burkina Faso failed to capitalise.
Substitutions brought on Blati Toure, Georgi Minoungou, and Sunderland striker Bertrand Traore, but none could alter the outcome.
Ivory Coast dominated possession throughout the match, with captain Franck Kessie and Evann Guessand threatening the Burkinabe defence.
A VAR review dismissed Burkina Faso’s appeal to disallow Diallo’s opening goal.
Diallo later had a close-range chance blocked by Koffi, underscoring his dominance on the night.
The Ivorian side now look to continue their title defence against Egypt, hoping Diallo and co. can maintain their winning momentum in Morocco.
