Ivory Coast delivered a commanding performance to thump Burkina Faso 3-0 and book their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter finals at the Stade de Marrakech on Tuesday night.

The defending Champions now face seven-time winners Egypt in Agadir on Saturday after stars aligned in a dominant display led by Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.

Amad Diallo opened the scoring in the 20th minute, calmly lifting the ball over Burkina Faso’s goalkeeper after brilliant build-up play, and then set up the second goal twelve minutes later when Yan Diomande rifled home to put the Elephants in control by half time.

Though Burkina Faso grew into the second half and rattled the post through Dango Ouattara, they never truly threatened Ivory Coast’s clean sheet as the Champions managed possession and tempo masterfully.

In the 87th minute, substitute Bazoumana Touré sealed the emphatic win with a stunning solo effort, racing from deep inside his own half before slotting the ball past the keeper to complete the three-goal rout.

With this victory, Ivory Coast remain firmly on course to defend their title and add pressure on Egypt, a team that has not lost a quarter final since 2002.

Faridah Abdulkadiri

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