Marrakech, Morocco – Amad Diallo delivered a star performance, propelling defending champions Ivory Coast into the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals with a decisive 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso. The Manchester United winger scored the opening goal and provided an assist, showcasing his pivotal role in the Elephants' title defense.

The match, held in Marrakech, saw Ivory Coast dominate from the outset. Diallo signaled his intent early, with a shot narrowly missing the post. He then opened the scoring in the 20th minute, capitalizing on a loose ball inside the box and coolly dinking it over goalkeeper Herve Koffi. Burkina Faso protested, claiming a foul during the build-up, but a VAR review upheld the initial decision.

Diallo continued to influence the game, setting up Yan Diomande for the second goal just twelve minutes later. Diomande curled a superb shot past Koffi, doubling Ivory Coast's advantage. Burkina Faso almost responded before halftime, but Dango Ouattara's effort struck the post.

After the break, Burkina Faso showed more attacking intent, with Ouattara forcing a good save from Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. However, Ivory Coast sealed the win in the 87th minute when Bazoumana Toure scored a stunning solo goal. Toure ran from his own half, beating several players before slotting the ball past Koffi.

Amad Diallo's performance has drawn comparisons to Ivorian legend Didier Drogba. Diallo has scored in all three of his starts at the tournament, totaling three goals. He is the first Ivorian to score 3+ times in a single edition of the competition since Drogba in 2012. He is also the first Ivorian to both score a goal and deliver an assist in an AFCON knockout match since Yaya Toure in 2012.

The victory sets up a quarterfinal clash against Egypt in Agadir, reminiscent of their 2006 final. Ivory Coast, who have reached the AFCON quarter-finals for the ninth time in the 21st century, will be looking to continue their title defense against the record seven-time champions.