AFCON 2025: Burkina Faso’s Traore targets shock win over defending champions in Round of 16 contest
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 06.01.26. | 10:36
Historically, Ivory Coast holds a solid edge in head-to-head meetings, with eight wins to Burkina Faso’s three, while nine matches ended in draws across their 20 previous encounters
The quest for the remaining two African Cup of Nations quarter-final slots takes center stage on Tuesday, 6 January, with two pulsating knockout matches set to thrill fans.
Ivory Coast will take on Burkina Faso while Algeria will face the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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The spotlight, however, will be firmly on the Grand Stade Marrakech, where defending champions Ivory Coast will lock horns with Burkina Faso in a 10:00 pm kick-off.
This encounter marks the third competitive AFCON meeting between the two nations, with the last meeting taking place 13 years ago in 2012.
During that edition, Ivory Coast reached the finals only to be narrowly defeated by Zambia in a dramatic 8-7 penalty shootout following a goalless draw in regulation and extra time.
For Ivory Coast, this is their 11th appearance at the continental showpiece, having reached the finals on four occasions (2006, 2012, 2015, and 2023), claiming the AFCON title twice, in 2015 and 2023.
Burkina Faso, meanwhile, will be making their sixth appearance at the knockout stage, having previously progressed in 1998, 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2023.
Their best run came in 2013, when they finished as runners-up, falling 1-0 to Nigeria courtesy of Sunday Ba’s 40th-minute strike.
Historically, Ivory Coast holds a solid edge in head-to-head meetings, with eight wins to Burkina Faso’s three, while nine matches ended in draws across their 20 previous encounters.
Despite this history, Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae remains cautious, emphasizing that past results count for little on the pitch.
"When the match starts, there is no psychological advantage, no statistics, and no past. The tactical aspect is just as important as the physical and technical ones.
The stakes must not take over the game. We have to play our football, without unnecessary pressure, and give everything to achieve our objective," the 41-year-old former Ivory Coast international stated.
Striker Jean-Philippe Krasso echoed his coach’s sentiment, highlighting the importance of unity in pursuit of victory.
"We are all focused on one objective: winning this match. You do not win the AFCON with 11, 15, or 18 players. You win it with a whole group," said the Paris FC forward.
Burkina Faso’s tactician, Brama Traoré, emphasized his team’s readiness to face the defending champions, acknowledging that victories over top-tier sides are essential to their first-ever AFCON triumph.
"We know we are going to play against the African champions. We must prepare well. At this stage, every team is capable of competing. We came here to reach the final, play it, and win it. If that means going through the defending champions, then we must be ready," stated the 63-year-old coach.
Tuesday Fixtures
19.00: (2.00) Algeria (3.35) DR Congo (4.00)
22.00: (1.90) Ivory Coast (3.40) Burkina Faso (4.30)
***odds are subject to change***
