- Here is Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso prediction article which provides a comprehensive preview, key statistics, and head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash.
- The fixture marks the final round of the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 in Morocco.
- Kick-off is set for 10:00 PM EAT / 8:00 PM local time.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage continues on Tuesday, January 6 night, as defending champions Ivory Coast face familiar West African rivals Burkina Faso at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco from 10PM(EAT).
With a place in the quarter-finals on the line, this Round of 16 encounter promises a tightly contested battle between two sides well-versed in tournament football.
Ivory Coast enter the knockout phase after a group campaign that had them on the front foot.
The Elephants opened Group F with a narrow 1-0 win over Mozambique, where Manchester United forward Amad Diallo struck early in the second half to settle a cautious contest.
They followed that up with a 1–1 draw against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, again taking the lead through Diallo before being pegged back by a physically imposing opponent.
The Afcon holders saved their most dramatic performance for last. Trailing 2–0 to Gabon inside the opening 21 minutes of their final group match, Ivory Coast showed character and composure to mount a stirring comeback.
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Goals from Jean-Philippe Krasso, Evann Guessand and Bazoumana Touré, the latter deep into stoppage time, sealed a 3–2 win that secured top spot in the group on goal difference.
As three-time AFCON champions, Ivory Coast boast an impressive pedigree and are currently on a seven-match unbeaten run at AFCON finals.
Head coach Emerse Fae, who assumed the role during the 2023 tournament on home soil, has earned praise for his tactical discipline and ability to manage momentum swings traits that could prove decisive in knockout football.
Burkina Faso, meanwhile, arrive with quiet confidence after a solid Group E campaign. The Stallions opened with a 2–1 win over Equatorial Guinea, before narrowly losing 1–0 to Algeria despite a disciplined defensive display.
Qualification was sealed with a controlled 2–0 victory over Sudan, confirming second place and highlighting their ability to manage matches when on the front foot.
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso team news
Ivory Coast have no injury concerns heading into the tie after rotating heavily in their final group match. Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana is expected to return in goal behind a defence of Guela Doue, Odilon Kossounou, Evan Ndicka and Ghislain Konan.
In midfield, Captain Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré and Seko Fofana are set to provide balance and control, while Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande and Evann Guessand lead the attack.
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Ivory Coast possible XI: Fofana; Doue, Kossounou, Ndicka, Konan; Kessié, I. Sangaré, Fofana; Diallo, Y. Diomande, Guessand
Burkina Faso face late fitness checks on goalkeeper Hervé Koffi, who picked up a thigh injury against Sudan, while influential Wydad Casablanca midfielder Aziz Ki is unavailable after being granted compassionate leave having lost his child. Cyriaque Irie also remains a doubt.
Burkina Faso possible XI: Koffi; Yago, Dayo, Tapsoba, Kouassi; Ouéraogo, Sangaré, Touré; B. Traoré, Ouattara, Kabore
With both sides organised and defensively sound, fine margins are expected to separate them. Ivory Coast’s experience and depth may offer a slight advantage, but Burkina Faso’s discipline ensures a competitive contest.
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso head to head and current form
While Burkina Faso have never beaten Ivory Coast in an AFCON knockout match, they remain consistent contenders on the continental stage, most notably finishing runners-up in 2013.
Their structured approach, compact defensive shape and quick transitions make them a difficult opponent for any side.
Current form
- Ivory Coast (AFCON 2025): W-D-W
- Ivory Coast (All Competitions): W-L-W-W-D-W
- Burkina Faso (AFCON 2025): W-L-W
- Burkina Faso (All Competitions): W-W-W-W-L-W
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso prediction
With no doubt, Ivory Coast come into this match as the favorites to win and secure a place in the quarterfinals.
However, judging by what we have witnessed in other Round of 16 encounters, Burkina Faso cannot be easily ruled out.
They are likely to make it a tense, closely contested affair that could stretch into extra time, where anything can happen.