AFCON 2025: Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

The Ivory Coast topped Group F with ease and will be favourites against a Burkina Faso side that were knocked out at this stage in the 2023 edition.

Defending champions Ivory Coast progressed to the knockout stages unbeaten (W2, D1), yet their journey was far from convincing. The Elephants were forced to recover from two goals down to edge Gabon 3-2 on matchday three, narrowly maintaining a record that has seen them reach the knockouts in ten of the last 11 AFCON editions.

While they have lost just once in their last ten matches (W7, D2), Ivory Coast’s last two Round of 16 ties were decided by penalties, suggesting another close encounter could be on the cards.

Meanwhile, Burkina Faso remain one of the continent’s most consistent performers, reaching the knockout stages in five of their last six finals appearances. A matchday two loss to Algeria stands as the Stallions' only defeat in nine games (W7, D1), and they quickly rebounded with a clinical 2-0 win over Sudan.

This resilient side is unlikely to be overawed by the heavyweights, especially as they play with heavy hearts following the tragic passing of Stephane Aziz Ki’s young son this week.

This will be the first meeting between these nations at an AFCON finals since 2012.

Burkina Faso carry significant recent momentum into the clash, having secured two of their three all-time head-to-head victories (D8, L9) across their last three encounters with the Elephants.

Ivory Coast don’t appear to have any fresh issues, while Hervé Koffi and Cyriaque Irié both went off with injuries in Burkina Faso’s last group game.

Ivory Coast (4-3-3): Lafont; Zohouri, Agbadou, Diomande, Operi; Kessie, Seri, Oulai; Guessand, Krasso, Toure.

Burkina Faso (4-3-3): Koffi; Yago, Dayo, Tapsoba, Kouassi; Simpore, B. Toure, Aziz Ki; D. Ouattara, L. Traore, B. Traore.

 Ivory Coast have shown more in this tournament, with Amad Diallo clearly enjoying himself, and will be full of confidence after their win over Gabon.

After reading this preview, remember to place your bets on LiveScore Bet.

• Over 1.5 goals

• Amad Diallo to score anytime