Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire delivered a commanding performance to sweep Burkina Faso aside 3-0 in Marrakech, booking a heavyweight Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Egypt this Saturday.
Diallo Dazzles in Dominant Display
The match was effectively decided in a blistering first half, spearheaded by the brilliant Amad Diallo. The Manchester United winger, who has been one of the tournament's standout players, opened the scoring with a moment of individual magic in the 20th minute. Weaving past three defenders, his effort took a slight deflection before he expertly lifted the ball over goalkeeper Hervé Koffi.
Diallo turned provider just 12 minutes later. His trickery on the right flank ended with a low cross that was cleverly dummied by Franck Kessié, allowing Yan Diomande to side-foot home from 18 yards for a 2-0 lead.
Touré Seals Victory for Emerse Faé's Side
Burkina Faso offered little in response, with a Dango Ouattara shot that struck the post proving a rare moment of threat. The Ivorians, managed by Emerse Faé, controlled proceedings and could have won by a greater margin were it not for several saves from Koffi.
The victory was sealed late on as teenage winger Bazoumana Touré broke free on the left and surprised Koffi by slotting in at the near post for his second goal of the campaign.
Heavyweight Quarter-Final Awaits in Agadir
The comprehensive win sets up a blockbuster last-eight tie in Agadir on Saturday against seven-time winners Egypt. This is a repeat of the 2006 final, which Egypt won on penalties after a goalless draw.
Diallo's form is a major boost for Côte d’Ivoire's title defence, with the attacker now contributing three goals and an assist in Morocco. He will return to a new managerial setup at Manchester United once the tournament concludes.
Algeria Snatch Dramatic Extra-Time Win
In Tuesday's other last-16 fixture, Algeria needed a moment of last-gasp brilliance to overcome the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1-0. With the match in Marrakech seemingly headed for penalties, substitute Adil Boulbina cut in from the left wing and unleashed a dipping shot that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar in the 119th minute.
Algeria, the more enterprising side throughout a tough encounter, deserved their victory. They will now face Nigeria in their quarter-final, also on Saturday in Marrakech.
