Côte d’Ivoire and Algeria both booked their places in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 quarterfinals on Tuesday in Morocco, sealing their progress with commanding yet very different victories as the continent’s premier national teams continue their continental quests.
Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire produced a dominant display against Burkina Faso in Marrakech, cruising to a 3–0 victory that underlined their credentials as serious contenders to retain the title. The Ivorians took control early and never looked back, showcasing fluid attacking play and clinical finishing that forced their opponents onto the back foot from the outset.
The scoring began in the 20th minute when Manchester United winger Amad Diallo opened the tally with a powerful and precise strike from inside the box, setting the tone for his team’s efficiency in the final third. Twelve minutes later, Diallo turned provider, delivering a pinpoint cross that found Yan Diomandé, who made no mistake in doubling Côte d’Ivoire’s advantage.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Elephants continued to press after the break, keeping Burkina Faso pinned in their own half. Although the Burkinabè side showed glimpses of attacking intent, including a narrow effort that rattled the woodwork, it was Côte d’Ivoire who added a third goal in the 87th minute through Bazoumana Touré, whose clinical finish after a swift counter-attack wrapped up the comprehensive win.
Côte d’Ivoire’s emphatic performance not only advanced them to the last eight but also set up a mouth-watering quarterfinal match against seven-time AFCON winners Egypt. The clash, scheduled to take place in Agadir, pits two African heavyweights against each other and promises to be a tactical and intense showdown.
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In Rabat, Algeria secured their own quarterfinal berth in dramatic fashion with a 1–0 extra-time win over the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) following a scrappy Round of 16 encounter. After 90 minutes and much of extra time ended goalless, it was substitute Adil Boulbina who delivered the decisive moment late in extra time.
Boulbina, injected into the match in the second half, seized his opportunity in the 118th minute when he cut inside from the right flank and curled a superb strike beyond the reach of DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau. His finish sparked wild celebrations among Algeria’s players and supporters as it sealed a tense and hard-fought victory.
The match had been a physical and tactical battle, with both sides cancelling each other out for long stretches. Algeria controlled possession at times but struggled to create clear opportunities against a well-organized Congolese defence. DR Congo had their moments and tested Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane, but ultimately came up short in the decisive moments.
Boulbina’s late heroics maintain Algeria’s unbeaten run in the tournament and keep alive their ambitions of claiming a third AFCON crown. Their reward is a quarterfinal tie against Nigeria in Marrakesh, another heavyweight clash set for later this week.
Together with Senegal, hosts Morocco, Mali, Cameroon, Egypt and Nigeria, both Côte d’Ivoire and Algeria now form part of the eight teams contesting the coveted AFCON title as the tournament moves into its most decisive phase.
Côte d’Ivoire’s blend of youthful dynamism and veteran leadership again proved too strong for Burkina Faso, while Algeria’s resilience and late-game brilliance epitomised the drama and unpredictability that have defined AFCON 2025’s knockout rounds. As the quarterfinals approach, both teams will look to build on their momentum and edge closer to continental glory.
AFCON 2025: Egypt and Nigeria advance to quarterfinals with big wins
