Tag: Ivory Coast

The 2026 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final stage came to a dramatic conclusion on Saturday as Nigeria and Egypt booked their places in the semifinals, completing a final four that blends pedigree, pressure, and title ambition.

Following earlier victories by Senegal and Morocco, Saturday’s fixtures delivered intensity and decisive moments, confirming the tournament’s most competitive phase yet.

Nigeria Outclass Algeria to Reach the Semi-Finals

Nigeria confirmed their status as one of the tournament’s strongest sides with a composed 2–0 win over Algeria, producing a disciplined and controlled performance in Marrakech.

After a measured first half, the Super Eagles raised the tempo following the break. Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock shortly after halftime, powering home a header to give Nigeria a deserved lead. The striker later turned provider, setting up Akor Adams to double the advantage and seal the result.

Algeria struggled to break Nigeria’s structure as the Super Eagles managed the game expertly, limiting clear chances and seeing out the contest with confidence. The victory sets up a high-profile semi-final clash against host nation Morocco.

Egypt Edge Ivory Coast in Five-Goal Thriller

In a tightly contested encounter, Egypt defeated Ivory Coast 3–2 to secure the final semi-final spot and keep their AFCON title hopes alive.

The Pharaohs made a blistering start, opening the scoring through Omar Marmoush (4’). Rami Rabia (32’) extended Egypt’s lead before Ivory Coast found a route back into the game when Ahmed Fotouh inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 40th minute.

Early in the second half, Mohamed Salah (52’) restored Egypt’s two-goal cushion with a clinical finish, underlining his influence on the big stage. Ivory Coast responded through Guéla Doué (73’), setting up a tense finale, but Egypt held firm to claim a famous victory.

The result sends Egypt into a heavyweight semi-final showdown against Senegal.

AFCON 2026 Quarter-Final Results

• Senegal 1–0 Mali
• Morocco 2–0 Cameroon
• Nigeria 2–0 Algeria
• Egypt 3–2 Ivory Coast

Confirmed AFCON 2026 Semi-Final Fixtures

• Morocco vs Nigeria
• Senegal vs Egypt

Ivory Coast booked their place in the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals with a convincing 3–0 victory over Burkina Faso, delivering one of their most complete performances of the knockout stage.

The Elephants set the tone early and never relinquished control, combining attacking precision with defensive discipline to overwhelm their West African rivals.

Ivory Coast 3–0 Burkina Faso

Ivory Coast opened the scoring in the 20th minute when A. Diallo finished clinically to give his side an early advantage.

Momentum stayed firmly with the hosts, and just 12 minutes later, Y. Diomande doubled the lead in the 32nd minute, capitalising on sustained pressure to leave Burkina Faso chasing the game before halftime.

Burkina Faso struggled to find a response in the second half as Ivory Coast managed the contest effectively. Any remaining doubt was put to rest late on when B. Touré struck in the 87th minute, sealing a dominant win and confirming progression into the quarterfinals.

Match Summary

Ivory Coast 3–0 Burkina Faso

Goals:

• A. Diallo (20′)
• Y. Diomande (32′)
• B. Touré (87′)

AFCON 2025 Quarterfinalists So Far

With January 6 action completed, the confirmed teams in the last eight include:

• Senegal
• Mali
• Morocco
• Cameroon
• Egypt
• Nigeria
• Ivory Coast

The remaining Round of 16 fixture(s) will determine the final quarterfinal lineup.