Algeria and Ivory Coast have booked their places in the AFCON quarter-finals, delivering composed, ruthless performances as the knockout stage continued to thrill across North Africa.
At the Stade de Marrakech, Ivory Coast made light work of Burkina Faso, cruising to a convincing 3–0 victory to underline their title credentials. The Elephants struck early and never looked back, controlling the tempo and punishing every lapse.
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo opened the scoring in the 20th minute, finishing calmly to settle Ivorian nerves. Twelve minutes later, Yan Diomande doubled the advantage with a well-taken strike, effectively killing off the contest before halftime. Burkina Faso pushed after the break but found no way through a disciplined Ivory Coast defence.
Substitute Bazoumana Touré applied the finishing touch in the 87th minute, firing home to cap a dominant display and send the Ivorians comfortably into the last eight.
Earlier in the day, Algeria edged DR Congo 1–0 after extra time in a tense, attritional battle in Rabat. Chances were scarce across 90 minutes, with both sides cancelling each other out in midfield and defence holding firm.
Just as penalties loomed, substitute Adil Boulbina emerged as the hero. The forward struck decisively in the 119th minute, converting from close range after a clever assist from Ramiz Zerrouki to break Congolese resistance and keep Algeria’s AFCON dream alive.
The victory marked a statement moment for Algeria, whose experience and patience proved decisive when it mattered most.
With Nigeria, Cameroon, Senegal, Mali, Morocco and Egypt already through, the quarter-final line-up is beginning to take shape, and the tournament is heating up at exactly the right time. Heavyweights are standing firm, margins are tightening, and every game now feels like a final.
AFCON is officially in its business end — and the road to continental glory is only getting tougher.
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