Côte d’Ivoire made an emphatic start to their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a convincing 4-1 win over Burkina Faso at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
The Ivorians wasted little time asserting their dominance, taking the lead in the seventh minute after Rebecca Elloh calmly converted from the penalty spot.
Inès Konan then delivered a clinical attacking display, scoring twice in quick succession with goals in the 14th and 23rd minutes to hand her side a commanding 3-0 advantage before the interval.
Burkina Faso’s hopes of a comeback suffered a major setback early in the second half when they were reduced to 10 players after a dismissal in the 52nd minute.
Côte d’Ivoire capitalised on the numerical advantage just four minutes later as N’Sira Safi Ouedraogo extended the lead to 4-0.
The Lady Stallions pulled one back through Adama Congo in the 60th minute, but it proved to be only a consolation as Côte d’Ivoire remained in control until the final whistle.
The victory sees Côte d’Ivoire begin their Group B campaign with three points. They will next take on South Africa, while Burkina Faso will attempt to bounce back when they face Tanzania.
