Overview:
This will be the third meeting between the teams at the Africa Cup of Nations, having previously met in back-to-back group stage encounters in 2010 and 2012.
Tuesday January 6, 2026
- Marrakesh stadium, Marrakesh 10pm (EAT)
The final round of 16 clash in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations features champions Ivory Coast against Burkina Faso in a highly anticipated clash at Marrakesh on Tuesday.
The West African derby will be a huge test for the Elephants who had a decent group stage campaign with a draw against DR Congo and wins over Botswana and Benin.
On the other hand, the Stallions also played well in the groups losing just once to Algeria but earning victories over Sudan and Equatorial Guinea in Rabat.
The clash features quality players on either side with Ivory Coast having Manchester United star Amad Diallo, midfield gem Frank Kessie, Ibrahim Sangare and Diamonde among others in their ranks.
Burkina Faso is also not short of quality with Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, captain Bertrand Traore and Arsène Kouassi among others.
Pre-match quotes:
Burkina Faso coach Brama Traoré:
“We know we are going to play against the African champions. We must prepare well. I don’t think the match comes too early, because at this stage of the competition, 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.”
Côte d’Ivoire coach Emerse Fae:
“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.
Key stat:
- Overall, the two nations have met 20 times in all competitions. Côte d’Ivoire have recorded eight wins, Burkina Faso three, with nine matches ending in draws.
- This will be the third meeting between the teams at the Africa Cup of Nations, having previously met in back-to-back group stage encounters in 2010 and 2012.
- The two nations share a 545-kilometre border, with Côte d’Ivoire lying to the south of Burkina Faso. The border runs west from a tripoint with Mali to another tripoint with Ghana in the east, underlining the close geographical and regional ties between the sides.
Earlier in the day, DR Congo and Algeria battle at the Prince Moulay Hassan stadium in Rabat at 7pm EAT.