Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso — Match Preview
A massive West African derby lights up the Stade de Marrakech on Monday, 5 January 2026, as defending champions Ivory Coast clash with neighbors Burkina Faso for a place in the Quarter-Finals. The Elephants topped Group F in dramatic style, edging Gabon 3–2 in their final group game to remain unbeaten (7 points).1 However, they continue to navigate the tournament without star striker Sébastien Haller. Burkina Faso, who finished as runners-up in their group with 6 points, bounced back from a narrow loss to Algeria by comfortably beating Sudan 2–0. With regional pride and tournament progression at stake, this “neighbors’ duel” promises high intensity.
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso — Match Info
- Competition: Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (Round of 16)
- Venue: Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech (Capacity: 45,240)
- Date: Monday, 5 January 2026
- Kickoff: 20:00 GMT | 21:00 WAT | 20:00 Local
- Referee: TBC (CAF Appointment)
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso — Match Stakes
Winner:
- Advances to the Quarter-Finals to face the winner of Mali vs Ghana (bracket dependent).
- Gains massive momentum and bragging rights in the region.
Loser:
- Elimination from AFCON 2025.
- For Ivory Coast, failing to reach the QF as holders would be a disaster. For Burkina Faso, it would be a respectable but disappointing exit given their talent.
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso — Team News
Ivory Coast:
- Haller S. — Out (Hamstring Injury – Tournament Ending Loss)
- Bayo V. — Out (Knee Injury)
- Irie C. — Questionable (Injury)
- Depth Test: Without Haller, the attack will rely on the fluidity of Amad Diallo and the physical presence of Jean-Philippe Krasso or Evan Guessand.
Burkina Faso:
- Aziz Ki S. — Out (Personal Reasons – Creative Spark Missing)
- Koffi H. — Questionable (Injury – Starting GK Doubt)
- Squad Note: If Herve Koffi cannot play, Kilian Nikiema will step in between the sticks, a massive pressure situation for the young goalkeeper.
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Ivory Coast
- 01/01 — 3–2 vs Gabon (AFCON)3
- 29/12 — 1–1 vs Cameroon (AFCON)
- 24/12 — 1–0 vs Mozambique (AFCON)
- 18/11 — 2–0 vs Oman (Friendly)
- 14/11 — 0–1 vs Saudi Arabia (Friendly)
Burkina Faso
- 31/12 — 2–0 vs Sudan (AFCON)
- 28/12 — 0–1 vs Algeria (AFCON)
- 24/12 — 2–1 vs Equatorial Guinea (AFCON)
- 18/11 — 3–0 vs Benin (Friendly)
- 15/11 — 3–2 vs Niger (Friendly)
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 28/12/2024 — Burkina Faso 3–0 Ivory Coast (CHAN/Friendly)
- 22/12/2024 — Ivory Coast 2–0 Burkina Faso (CHAN/Friendly)
- 19/11/2022 — Burkina Faso 2–1 Ivory Coast (Friendly)
- 05/09/2022 — Burkina Faso 0–1 Ivory Coast (CHAN Qualifier)
- 27/08/2022 — Ivory Coast 0–0 Burkina Faso (CHAN Qualifier)
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Ivory Coast (4-3-3)
Fofana Y; Singo, Ndicka, Diomande, Konan; Kessie, Sangare, Fofana S; Diallo, Krasso, Adingra
Burkina Faso (4-2-3-1)
Nikiema (if Koffi out); Kabore, Tapsoba, Dayo, Yago; Toure, Guira; Traore B, Badolo, Ouattara; Konate
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso — Impact Bench
Ivory Coast: Pepe (Experience), Boga (Dribbling), Kouame (Energy)
Burkina Faso: Lassina Traore (Goal threat), Tapsoba A (Pace)
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso — Tactical Analysis
Ivory Coast
Emerse Faé’s side has shown resilience, scoring late against Gabon to win.6 Without a traditional target man like Haller, they are playing faster, more intricate football. Franck Kessie and Seko Fofana will look to dominate the midfield physically, allowing Amad Diallo to roam free. The Elephants’ defense, led by Evan Ndicka, must be wary of Burkina’s speed on the counter.
Burkina Faso
The Stallions are disciplined and lethal in transition. The loss of Stephane Aziz Ki deprives them of their main playmaker, placing a huge burden on Bertrand Traore to create magic. They will likely cede possession to Ivory Coast and look to release Dango Ouattara behind the Ivorian full-backs. If Koffi misses out in goal, protecting the backup keeper will be the defensive priority.
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso — Key Battles
- Kessie vs Blati Toure — The engine room battle; whoever controls this wins the game.
- Tapsoba vs Krasso — Leverkusen defender vs Ivory Coast’s replacement striker.
- Kabore vs Adingra — Pace vs Pace on the flank.
- Bertrand Traore vs Konan — Burkina’s captain cutting inside on his left foot.
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso — Spotlight Players
Ivory Coast — Simon Adingra
The Brighton winger was electric in the group stages. His ability to beat his man and deliver crosses is vital for an Ivory Coast side missing its main aerial threat.
Burkina Faso — Edmond Tapsoba
The center-back is the rock of this team. Against a fluid Ivorian attack, his reading of the game and ability to bring the ball out from the back will be crucial to Burkina’s survival.
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso — Prediction
Ivory Coast 2–1 Burkina Faso (AET)
This has all the makings of a classic. Burkina Faso are organized and dangerous, but the loss of Aziz Ki is a significant blow to their creativity. Ivory Coast, buoyed by the “home” crowd in Marrakech (large diaspora) and their winning momentum, should have just enough quality off the bench to edge it, possibly in extra time.
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso — Betting Insights
- Ivory Coast to Qualify — High Probability.
- Under 2.5 Goals — Likely in regular time (Knockout football tension).
- Both Teams to Score — YES.
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso — Where to Watch
- Africa: SuperSport, Canal+ Afrique
- International: beIN Sports, Sky Sports Football
- Streaming: CAF TV (YouTube)
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso — FAQs
Q: When is the Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso match?
A: The match kicks off on Monday, 5 January 2026, at 20:00 GMT.
Q: Is Sebastien Haller playing?
A: No. He is out of the tournament with a hamstring injury.
Q: Who is the favorite?
A: Ivory Coast are slight favorites due to squad depth and current form.
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