AFCON 2025: Amad Diallo shines as Man of the Match in Côte d'Ivoire's win over Burkina Faso

Amad Diallo put in an excellent display and was deservedly named Man of the Match after Côte d’Ivoire cruised to a 3-0 victory against Burkina Faso, a win that sent the defending champions into the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals in Marrakesh.The Manchester United winger was involved in the key moments that broke open the game and underlined his growing influence for Les Éléphants.Diallo opened the scoring in the 20th minute, reacting quickest to a defensive mix-up in the box before delicately lifting the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper from close range. He then turned creator 12 minutes later, driving a low cross across the face of goal for Yan Diomandé, who controlled calmly and drilled in the second.Burkina Faso hit the post before half-time through Dango Ouattara, but any hopes of a comeback faded as Côte d’Ivoire’s defence held firm after the break.A late third, finished confidently at the near post after a swift counter-attack, sealed a statement win and set up a heavyweight quarter-final against Egypt in Agadir, with Diallo firmly at the heart of the champions’ title defence.