Ivory Coast & Algeria advance to AFCON quarterfinals

KATHMANDU: Defending champions Ivory Coast booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals with a commanding 3–0 victory over Burkina Faso, while Algeria needed extra time to overcome DR Congo and seal the final spot in the last eight.

Ivory Coast 3–0 Burkina Faso

Ivory Coast were on the front foot from the opening whistle at the Marrakech Stadium and took a deserved lead in the 20th minute, when Amad Diallo finished coolly after a pass from Evan Guessand.

Twelve minutes later, Diallo turned provider, setting up Yann Diomandé to double the advantage.

Burkina Faso showed more intent after the break, with Dango Ouattara coming close, but goalkeeper Yahia Fofana produced a fine save to keep a clean sheet intact.

Substitute Bazoumana Touré wrapped up the win in the 87th minute, making it 3–0 and confirming Ivory Coast’s dominance.

Diallo capped an influential display with one goal and one assist. Ivory Coast will now face Egypt in the quarterfinals.

Algeria 1–0 DR Congo (AET)

In a tense Round of 16 clash, Algeria edged DR Congo 1–0 after extra time to advance.

With penalties looming, Adil Boulbina struck the decisive blow in the 119th minute, firing home from outside the penalty area.

Algeria controlled possession in the first half but lacked a cutting edge, while DR Congo threatened sporadically without finding the net.

The second half remained evenly contested, and although DR Congo’s goalkeeper made several impressive saves in extra time, he could not deny Boulbina’s late winner.

Algeria will meet Nigeria in the quarterfinals.

With these results, the AFCON quarterfinal line-up is now complete, setting the stage for a thrilling knockout phase.