In the lead-up to the highly anticipated round of 16 clash in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Côte d’Ivoire is set to face off against Burkina Faso in a match steeped in personal and national significance. This clash occurs on the backdrop of SuperSport’s promotional tagline, “Where the family meets,” which resonates deeply as it features eight players in the Burkina Faso squad who were born in Côte d’Ivoire.
Historically, the two nations have battled it out on the football pitch 20 times, with Côte d’Ivoire boasting an advantage. The Elephants have celebrated victory eight times against Burkina Faso’s three wins, with nine matches ending in a draw.
Among the 25-man squad for Burkina Faso, several key players, including Arsène Kouassi, Stéphane Aziz Ki, Adamo Nagalo, Blati Touré, Georgi Minoungou, Cyriaque Irié, Mohamed Zougrana, and Mohamed Konaté, share Ivorian roots. Of these, Kouassi, Minoungou, and Irié have been pivotal, participating in all three of Burkina Faso’s group matches, while Touré and Aziz Ki have contributed in two outings. Although Konaté has not seen any game time, he remains part of the squad for this crucial match.
On the other side, Côte d’Ivoire’s goalkeeper Alban Lafont, who was born in Burkina Faso, faces scrutiny following a less than stellar performance in the Elephants’ last group match, where he was criticized by fans for conceding goals during a narrow 3-2 win against Gabon. Lafont had the option to represent Burkina Faso, France, or Côte d’Ivoire but ultimately chose to play for the Elephants, making this matchup even more poignant.
Both teams finished their group stage campaigns with two wins each, but Côte d’Ivoire managed to secure a draw in their second match while Burkina Faso experienced a setback with a 1-0 loss to Algeria. As the Stallions prepare to challenge the reigning champions, the stakes are high.
This matchup not only signifies a battle for continental pride but also showcases the intertwining histories and familial connections between the players, making it a compelling narrative for fans and participants alike as they vie for bragging rights in this intense regional derby. The upcoming match promises to deliver excitement and showcase the rich tapestry of talent and rivalry present in African football.