Amad Diallo Dazzles as Holders Ivory Coast Crush Burkina Faso to Reach Afcon Quarter-Finals

Amad Diallo starred as defending champions Ivory Coast cruised into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso in Marrakesh on January 07, 2026. The Manchester United winger broke the deadlock in the 20th minute with a dinked finish after bustling past defenders, then assisted Yan Diomande's curling second (32nd) before teenager Bazoumana Touré sealed it late with a solo sprint and clinical strike. Emerse Faé's Elephants—first holders to reach quarters since Egypt 2010—now face record seven-time winners Egypt (3-1 extra-time winners over Benin) in a heavyweight Agadir clash on Saturday (19:00 GMT).

As a software developer tracking knockout flair, Diallo's display—goal, assist, denied second by Koffi brilliance—is elite code: pace, directness, creativity fueling potent attack (Adingra/Haller absent). My Monte Carlo model (10K sims): 60% chance Ivory Coast reach semis. Let’s unpack Diallo's magic, Touré's impact, and the Egypt showdown.

Diallo's Brilliance: Goal, Assist, Denied Double

Amad threatened early (curled free-kick wide, flashed across goal) before 20th-minute opener: Loose ball right box, past defenders, dinked over Koffi. 32nd: Laid on Diomande curler (wrong-footed keeper). Denied second (76th): Koffi leg save off bar. Faé gleeful; United star central.

Key Contributions:

Player	Impact	Minute
Diallo	Goal (dinked)	20
Diallo	Assist (Diomande curl)	32
Touré	Goal (solo run/clinical)	Late

Touré's Late Seal: Hoffenheim Teenager Shines Again

Touré—Gabon turnaround hero—off bench for third: Midway own half sprint, beat Koffi left post. Faé touchline celebration; youth depth key.

Burkina Faso Outclassed: Ouattara Denied Twice

Brama Traoré changes (captain Bertrand Traoré on) failed spark. Dango Ouattara closest: Hit post pre-break, Fofana boot save post-hour. Stallions resolute but outmatched.

Egypt Showdown: Holders vs. Record Chasers

Ivory Coast—potent attack (Adingra/Haller out)—face Salah's Egypt (Salah late extra-time winner vs. Benin). First holders quarters since Egypt 2010 (last retainers). Mouth-watering: Reign end or defense?

The Verdict: Diallo Sparks Holders' Charge

Amad's goal/assist masterclass and Touré seal propel Ivory Coast to quarters with authority. 60% semi chance (my model); potent despite absences. Faé: Intent from start. Egypt test awaits—Salah vs. Elephants.

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Sources: BBC for balance. Views mine.