Rabat – Côte d’Ivoire began their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with an emphatic 4-1 win over Burkina Faso at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Monday evening.
Rebecca Elloh opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the seventh minute before Inès Konan struck twice in quick succession to give Côte d’Ivoire a three-goal advantage midway through the first half.
Konan scored her first goal in the 14th minute and completed her brace nine minutes later, leaving Burkina Faso with a difficult task before the interval.
Côte d’Ivoire maintained control after the restart, with Burkina Faso reduced to 10 players following a red card in the 52nd minute.
N’Sira Safi Ouedraogo then added Côte d’Ivoire’s fourth goal in the 56th minute, further extending the advantage.
Burkina Faso forward Adama Congo pulled one back four minutes later, but the Lady Stallions were unable to build on the goal or threaten an unlikely comeback.
The 4-1 result gave Côte d’Ivoire three important points in a competitive Group B that also includes South Africa and Tanzania.
Côte d’Ivoire make impressive return
The match marked Côte d’Ivoire’s first Women’s AFCON appearance since 2014. The team had previously competed in the 2012 and 2014 editions, finishing third in the latter tournament after defeating South Africa in the play-off.
Monday’s victory also extended Côte d’Ivoire’s record of scoring in every Women’s AFCON match they have played. Before facing Burkina Faso, the team had found the net in all eight of their previous games at the continental finals.
Head coach Reynald Pedros will be encouraged by the attacking display, particularly Konan’s contribution. The Strasbourg forward demonstrated her finishing ability with two goals inside the opening 23 minutes.
Pedros previously led Morocco to the 2022 Women’s AFCON final before taking charge of Côte d’Ivoire. His side’s four-goal performance provided an ideal beginning to their attempt to progress from Group B.
Burkina Faso, meanwhile, remain without a victory at the Women’s AFCON. The Lady Stallions made their tournament debut in 2022, losing to Morocco and Senegal before drawing 2-2 with Uganda.
Côte d’Ivoire will next face South Africa in their second group match, while Burkina Faso will seek their first points against Tanzania.
