Amad Diallo inspires Ivory Coast to 3-0 win over Burkina Faso to book Afcon quarter-final spot

MARRAKECH – Amad Diallo stole the show for the Ivory Coast, scoring one goal and creating another at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Marrakech on Jan 6. But the attacker hailed team chemistry and closeness, as the champions eased past Burkina Faso 3-0 and into the last eight.

The Ivorians will face record seven-time winners Egypt in a heavyweight quarter-final in Agadir on Jan 10, a colossal clash that is a repeat of the 2006 decider, when the Pharaohs triumphed on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

Yan Diomande and Bazoumana Toure were also on target for coach Emerse Fae’s team, as they dominated the contest against the outgunned Burkinabe, and might have won by a greater margin but for some excellent goalkeeping from Herve Koffi at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.

The 23-year-old Diallo will go back to a new manager at Manchester United after the Afcon in Morocco, having been one of the standout players at the tournament, driving the Ivorians’ so far impressive title defence with three goals and an assist.

“We fought as a team. Everyone is focused on contributing in whatever way they can,” he said.

“There is also a real chemistry on the pitch, a closeness between us that makes our play more fluid.

“There is a genuine connection, a certain rhythm in the way we play. No one is trying to be the hero or to shine individually for the country.

“If I have the chance to make the pass, I do it. It is instinctive – I give my teammate the ball. That is how we play.”

Compared to how they stuttered to the title on home soil in 2024, the Ivorians have been hugely impressive in Morocco and this was arguably their most dominant display of the competition to date.

Earlier on Jan 6, the cagey clash between Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo was edging towards a penalty shoot-out, when substitute Adil Boulbina was released on the left in the 119th minute and advanced into the area before unleashing a vicious strike into the net.

The moment of magic sparked wild celebrations within the ground, with the majority of the 18,837 crowd at the Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat backing Algeria.

Al-Duhail midfielder Boulbina was an unlikely hero, making just his second cameo appearance off the bench at the tournament, having been included in the squad after featuring for Algeria at the recent Arab Cup in Qatar, where he plays his club football.

“I have always dreamed of playing for the national team,” said Boulbina, who was in tears at the end. “It is the ambition of every Algerian to play for their country and do well.

“I had my chance and scored and the most important thing is that we won and qualified for the next round.”

The result earned Algeria a last-eight clash with in-form Nigeria in Marrakech on Jan 10.

DR Congo can console themselves with the fact they have

an intercontinental play-off to come in March

, when a win against New Caledonia or Jamaica will see them qualify for a first World Cup since 1974, when the country was called Zaire.

“We are obviously disappointed with the outcome. I thought it was a top-level game between two really good sides,” said coach Sebastien Desabre.

“The players gave everything. We fought to the end but unfortunately, it was not enough.”
REUTERS, AFP