ivory Coast proceed their AFCON 2025 title defence with renewed perception after navigating a demanding Group F marketing campaign that combined management with late drama.
The Elephants opened their match with a slim win over Mozambique earlier than being held by Cameroon, a end result that underlined their tactical steadiness and resilience in tight video games.
That momentum carried into an exciting finale, the place they confirmed championship character to overturn a two-goal deficit and end prime of the group, a end result that Softfootball reported as a serious assertion of intent heading into the knockout part.
Their group-stage journey was outlined by composure beneath stress, significantly in a dramatic late comeback that sealed prime spot, whereas their bodily energy and tactical self-discipline have been equally evident in a hard-fought draw towards Cameroon that examined their defensive construction.
Ivory Coast have since posted a video on their official X deal with displaying the squad returning and making ready for the round-of-16 conflict, signalling focus and confidence forward of the tie.
Traditionally, the Elephants carry a transparent edge into this fixture, boasting three AFCON titles and a powerful seven-match unbeaten run on the finals.
Underneath Emerse Fae, who has earned reward for calm in-game administration, Ivory Coast have blended midfield management with sharp huge play, giving them a number of attacking routes whereas nonetheless sustaining defensive stability.
Burkina Faso, nevertheless, arrive as cussed opponents after a disciplined Group E marketing campaign. The Stallions opened with a hard-fought win over Equatorial Guinea, suffered a slim loss to Algeria, after which secured development with a composed victory over Sudan.
Their potential to remain compact and strike on transitions makes them harmful in knockout soccer, even when historical past has not favoured them towards the Elephants at AFCON.
Staff Information
Ivory Coast head into the spherical of 16 with no recent damage issues after rotating closely of their closing group recreation. Yahia Fofana is predicted to return in purpose, with Guela Doue, Odilon Kossounou, Evan Ndicka and Ghislain Konan forming a well-recognized again line.
The midfield trio of Franck Kessie, Ibrahim Sangare and Seko Fofana ought to present management and expertise, whereas Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande and Evann Guessand are all pushing to start out in assault.
Burkina Faso could have issues in purpose, with Herve Koffi a doubt after being pressured off injured towards Sudan, whereas Cyriaque Irie can be being monitored following a knock in the identical match. Their choice might hinge on late health checks forward of kick-off.
potential beginning lineup
Ivory Coast:
Fofana; Doue, Kossounou, Ndicka, Konan; Kessie, I. Sangare, S. Fofana; Diallo, Y. Diomande, Guessand
Burkina Faso:
Koffi; Yago, Dayo, Tapsoba, Kouassi; Oueraogo, Sangare, Toure; B. Traore, Ouattara; Kabore
Ivory Coast 2-1 Burkina Faso. This seems set to be a good and tactical contest, however Ivory Coast’s knockout expertise and attacking depth might show decisive. Burkina Faso’s organisation ought to hold the sport aggressive, but the Elephants’ potential to seek out late objectives could as soon as once more tilt the steadiness of their favour.
