The Elephants seized control early, with Manchester United leading the charge Amad Diallo in the heart of everything. After twenty minutes the winger showed quick feet and composure, breaking through on goal and calmly lifting the ball over the advancing Hervé Koffi to open the scoring with his third goal of the tournament.
Ivory Coast doubled their lead shortly after the half hour, with Diallo once again having an influence. When turning the provider he drove to the right and pulled back a precise cut Yan Diomandewho got past Koffi for the first time to give the Ivorians a comfortable two-goal cushion at the break.
Ivory Coast continued to apply pressure after the break, with Diallo forcing Koffi into action with a shot that went over the bar. Burkina Faso’s attempts to spark a response only left them exposed, and then they were punished in spectacular fashion Bazoumana Toure came from deep inside his own half before firing a ferocious strike past Koffi to seal the win. It was a goal worthy of any tournament highlight.
The quarter-final berth means it is the furthest a defending champion has gone in AFCON since Egypt went on to a third successive title in 2010.
The two countries will meet in Agadir on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals.
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