The defending champions Ivory Coast take on neighbours Burkina Faso in a highly anticipated West African derby in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025.
This knockout clash kicks off at 19:00 GMT on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Stade de Marrakech in Marrakech, Morocco, with a capacity of over 45,000. The match forms part of the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage, where the Elephants topped Group F unbeaten, while the Stallions finished runners-up in Group E. No referee appointment has been confirmed yet for this fixture.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
Both sides displayed resilience in the group stage, but the holders showed greater depth in key moments. Ivory Coast demonstrated comeback quality, while Burkina Faso relied on late goals and solid defending. Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso prediction today points to a tight encounter where experience could prove decisive.
Ivory Coast Results
Ivory Coast entered the knockout stage unbeaten, topping a competitive Group F. They showed character by recovering from deficits and maintaining composure in tight games.
The defending champions lost just one of their last ten matches overall, highlighting consistent form heading into the knockouts.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 31.12.25 | ACN | Gabon vs Ivory Coast | 2-3 | W |
| 28.12.25 | ACN | Ivory Coast vs Cameroon | 1-1 | D |
| 24.12.25 | ACN | Ivory Coast vs Mozambique | 1-0 | W |
| 18.11.25 | FI | Oman vs Ivory Coast | 0-2 | W |
| 14.11.25 | FI | Saudi Arabia vs Ivory Coast | 1-0 | L |
Ivory Coast topped their group with seven points, highlighted by a dramatic comeback victory over Gabon, while keeping clean sheets in earlier fixtures before conceding in tougher encounters. Four of their five AFCON goals came after halftime, underscoring their strong second-half performances and ability to grind out victories when needed. The Elephants have now advanced from the group stage in ten of their last eleven tournaments, demonstrating consistent reliability at this level.
Burkina Faso Results
Burkina Faso reached the knockouts in five of their last six AFCON appearances, proving reliable at this level. They bounced back from a defeat to Algeria with a solid win over Sudan.
The Stallions lost only once in their last nine matches, demonstrating good current form.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 31.12.25 | ACN | Sudan vs Burkina Faso | 0-2 | W |
| 28.12.25 | ACN | Algeria vs Burkina Faso | 1-0 | L |
| 24.12.25 | ACN | Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea | 2-1 | W |
| 18.11.25 | FI | Burkina Faso vs Benin | 3-0 | W |
| 14.11.25 | FI | Burkina Faso vs Niger | 3-2 | W |
Burkina Faso advanced to the knockouts with six points, securing victories in their opening and closing group games to bookend the campaign effectively. They demonstrated a knack for late goals, scoring three times beyond the 75th minute during the group stage, while defensive solidity allowed a strong recovery from the Algeria defeat. Just three of their last nine matches saw both teams score, and overall, the Stallions claimed seven wins in those nine outings, highlighting their resilient and consistent form heading into the round of 16.
Head-to-Head: Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso
These West African rivals have met frequently in recent years, with results often close. Burkina Faso hold momentum from non-AFCON encounters, but Ivory Coast dominate finals meetings.
The sides last faced off at the AFCON finals in 2012, where the Elephants won 2-0.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 28.12.24 | ANC | Burkina Faso vs Ivory Coast | 3-2 |
| 22.12.24 | ANC | Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso | 2-0 |
| 19.11.22 | FI | Burkina Faso vs Ivory Coast | 2-1 |
| 04.09.22 | ANC | Burkina Faso vs Ivory Coast | 0-1 |
| 27.08.22 | ANC | Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso | 0-0 |
Recent head-to-head encounters have delivered mixed results, with both teams securing home victories in qualifiers and Burkina Faso claiming two of the last three overall meetings. Earlier AFCON clashes, however, strongly favoured Ivory Coast, who kept clean sheets in those finals matchups, while draws and low-scoring affairs have been common in several meetings. Notably, this round of 16 tie marks their first-ever meeting in the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Predicted Starting Lineups for Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso
Lineups are subject to final confirmation closer to kick-off, but based on recent group stage performances, rotations, and team news, here are the predicted starting XIs for this Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 clash. Both coaches are expected to field strong sides, with Ivory Coast returning key players rested in their final group game.
Ivory Coast predicted lineup:
Fofana (GK), Doue (DF), Kossounou (DF), Ndicka (DF), Konan (DF), Kessie (MF), Sangare (MF), Fofana (MF), Diallo (FW), Diomande (FW), Guessand (FW).
Burkina Faso predicted lineup:
Koffi (GK), Yago (DF), Dayo (DF), Tapsoba (DF), Kouassi (DF), Ouedraogo (MF), Sangare (MF), Toure (MF), Traore (FW), Ouattara (FW), Kabore (FW).
Injured and Questionable Players
Ahead of this crucial knockout tie, both teams have minor concerns, though Ivory Coast appear to have a fully fit squad. Burkina Faso’s issues stem from their final group match against Sudan.
| Team | Player | Reason |
| Ivory Coast | None reported | No fresh injuries |
| Burkina Faso | Hervé Koffi | Right thigh injury |
| Burkina Faso | Cyriaque Irié | Suspected injury (substituted in group stage) |
Key Points to Watch
Several factors could influence this round of 16 tie, from team news to tactical battles. Both squads have shown resilience, but individual quality and motivation stand out.
The matchup pits the holders’ experience against Burkina Faso’s consistency in recent tournaments.
- Ivory Coast have no fresh injury concerns reported;
- Burkina Faso’s Hervé Koffi and Cyriaque Irié picked up knocks in their final group game and remain doubts;
- The Elephants scored most goals after halftime in the groups;
- Burkina Faso netted multiple late goals during the group stage;
- Tragedy in the Stallions’ camp (Stephane Aziz Ki’s family loss) may spur extra motivation;
- Ivory Coast’s key players like Evann Guessand and Amad Diallo are in form;
- Lassina Traoré has been clinical for Burkina Faso, scoring in wins;
- Low-scoring trends: Both teams rarely saw BTTS recently, favouring unders;
- Home advantage neutral, but Ivory Coast played group games at this venue;
- Defending champions often face added pressure in knockouts.
Free Tips on Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso
This section offers practical, free betting tips tailored to the Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso round of 16 clash at the Africa Cup of Nations. Drawing from team statistics, head-to-head trends, and recent performances, these insights help you make informed decisions without emotional bias. Focus on data-driven angles like scoring patterns and form to spot value in this knockout encounter.
- Prioritize low-scoring bets: Both teams have shown defensive solidity in recent AFCON games, with Ivory Coast scoring just five goals in three matches and Burkina Faso keeping clean sheets in two. Given their history of tight H2H results (three of the last five under 2.5 goals), backing under 2.5 goals could be a smart play.
- Bet on Ivory Coast’s second-half dominance: The Elephants netted four of their five tournament goals after halftime, exploiting tired defenses. Burkina Faso’s late strikes are notable, but the holders’ fitness edge in knockouts makes a goal in the 46-90 minute window a high-probability option.
- Consider player-specific props: Watch for Lassina Traoré’s impact— he’s scored in four straight Burkina Faso wins and thrives in big games. For Ivory Coast, Evann Guessand’s early-season form suggests he could strike before halftime, offering value in anytime scorer markets.
- Account for fatigue in a packed schedule: Both sides played three intense group games in quick succession, but Ivory Coast’s deeper squad may handle rotation better. Avoid overbetting on high-goal totals if early fatigue shows, as this could lead to a cautious, low-event affair.
- Leverage venue familiarity: Ivory Coast played all group matches at Stade de Marrakech, building confidence in the conditions. Burkina Faso’s adaptation to the pitch might take time, tilting the edge toward the hosts in terms of control and possession stats.
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Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso Match Prediction
Ivory Coast enter as clear favourites, backed by their unbeaten group run and title defence motivation. They demonstrated superior depth, especially in comebacks, while Burkina Faso relied on resilience but face potential absences in defence. The Elephants’ experience in high-stakes AFCON games should shine through in a controlled performance. Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso odds reflect the holders’ edge at around 1.85-1.90 for the win, offering value given their form and H2H dominance in finals contexts. Expect a tactical battle with limited goals, but Ivory Coast’s quality to prevail.
This encounter promises tension, with the champions holding the psychological and squad advantage. Burkina Faso can threaten on transitions, yet Ivory Coast’s second-half strength and clean-sheet potential tilt the balance. A narrow victory for the Elephants aligns with trends—under 2.5 goals likely, no BTTS probable. Back the holders to advance comfortably on experience alone.
Our Prediction: Ivory Coast 2-0 Burkina Faso
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Outcome | Ivory Coast to Win | 1.8 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 Goals | 1.56 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 1.64 |
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