The African champions remained on course to defend their AFCON title following a commanding 3-0 victory over the Stallions at Stade de Marrakech.
The West African derby was decided by Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, who dominated the proceedings from the onset. Diallo opened the scoring and provided an assist for the second goal to set the Elephants to an emphatic victory.
Diallo put Ivory Coast ahead after pouncing onto a loose ball inside the area, before he turned provider 12 minutes later with a moment of quality. He delivered a low cross across the face of goal for Ousmane Diomande, who took a composed first touch to double the advantage.
While Burkina Faso tried to pull a comeback in the second half, Bazoumana Toure scored the third to seal the victory.
Strength of Ivory Coast stood out
Speaking after the game, Fae admitted the team’s collective performance from the defensive area to the midfield enabled Ivory Coast to carry the day.
“I really liked our reaction when we lost the ball. Every time possession was lost, the players reacted immediately,” said Fae as quoted by CAFOnline.com.
“They were under pressure at times and put us in difficult situations, but they made a real effort to recover the ball very, very quickly. There were many interceptions, duels won and balls regained directly from the opponent’s feet. That aspect of our game pleased me a lot.
“What truly makes me happy is that beyond individual performances, it was the strength of the team in entirety that really stood out tonight.”
Diallo, who won man of the match, said: “First of all, we fought together as a team. Everyone is focused on contributing in whatever way they can.
“There is also a real chemistry on the pitch, a closeness between us that makes our play more fluid. There is a genuine connection, a certain rhythm in the way we play.”
He concluded: “No one is trying to be the hero or to shine individually for the country. If I have the chance to make the pass, I do it. It’s instinctive; I give him the ball. That’s how we play.”
Burkina Faso head coach Brama Traore blamed the the Round of 16 defeat to missing key players.
“Unfortunately, things didn't work out for us. We were weakened by several key absences, and that was evident on the pitch.
“When you are without three important players, you inevitably feel that something is missing. From a tactical point of view, we were not good enough. The system we put in place did not work, and I take full responsibility for that.”
The victory enabled Ivory Coast to book a last eight date with record seven-time winners Egypt on Saturday, January 10, at Stade Adrar. In total, Ivory Coast has won the AFCON three times, most recently as hosts in 2023.
Ivory Coast previously won in 1992 and 2015, and finished as runner up twice, in 2006 and 2012.
AFCON 2025 quarter-final fixtures
Friday, 9 January
Mali vs Senegal
Cameroon vs Morocco
Saturday, 10 January
Algeria vs Nigeria
Egypt vs Ivory Coast
