Africa Cup of Nations 2025 holders Ivory Coast face Burkina Faso in the Round of 16 after topping Group F, setting up a high-stakes clash with the Stallions, who were eliminated at the same stage in 2023.
Match Preview
Ivory Coast progressed from the group stage unbeaten (W2, D1), though they were far from flawless. A dramatic comeback against Gabon, where they overturned a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2, highlighted both their resilience and occasional vulnerability. The Elephants have a strong track record in AFCON, reaching the knockout stage in 10 of their last 11 tournaments, yet recent last-16 ties have often gone the distance, with the last two decided on penalties.
Burkina Faso, while yet to lift the AFCON trophy, have become a consistent presence in the knockout rounds, advancing in five of their last six tournaments. A 2-0 win over Sudan on matchday three underlined their competitive edge. Despite a 2-1 loss to Algeria in the group, the Stallions have gone 7 wins, 1 draw in their last nine matches, proving they are more than capable of challenging Africa’s heavyweights. The team will also be motivated emotionally, following the tragic passing of Stephane Aziz Ki’s young son this week.
Head-to-Head History
This will mark the first AFCON finals meeting between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso since 2012. While the Elephants lead overall, Burkina Faso have won two of the last three encounters, suggesting they can still cause an upset.
Key Stats and Streaks
- Four of Ivory Coast’s five AFCON goals this tournament came after half-time.
- Ivory Coast have scored more than once in just four of their last 14 games, showing some inconsistency in attack.
- Only three of Burkina Faso’s last nine matches saw both teams score, highlighting their defensive discipline.
- Burkina Faso scored more goals after the 75th minute than any other side in the group stage, demonstrating late-game potency.
Players to Watch / Team News
- Evann Guessand (Ivory Coast) has netted four goals this season, three of them before half-time, with the exception being his strike against Gabon.
- Lassina Traoré (Burkina Faso) scored in their win over Sudan, marking his 13th international goal, six of which have come in victories.
- Ivory Coast report no fresh injury concerns.
- Burkina Faso’s Hervé Koffi and Cyriaque Irié left the last group game due to injury and will be assessed ahead of Tuesday’s clash.
Prediction
Both teams bring a mix of experience, resilience, and recent form into this match. Burkina Faso’s ability to stay organized defensively and score late goals could trouble Ivory Coast, but the Elephants’ attacking firepower and AFCON pedigree give them the edge in what is expected to be a tight encounter.
Our Pick: Ivory Coast 2-1 Burkina Faso
