Abidjan, September 6, 2025 – Under pressure after Gabon's win on Wednesday, Côte d’Ivoire responded perfectly on Friday with a narrow 1-0 victory over Burundi at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan. The Elephants scored early and managed the rest of the game well to reclaim the top spot in Group F in the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Côte d’Ivoire got off to a flying start, opening the scoring in just the 3rd minute. A slick one-two between Simon Adingra and Luck Zogbé on the right flank ended with Adingra delivering a curling cross into the box. Vakoun Bayo, the Udinese striker, met it with a well-placed header past goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana (1-0).

Just minutes later, the Elephants continued to threaten. In the 6th minute, a low cross from the right was intercepted by Nahimana at the near post, preventing a second goal.

With former national team captain Serey Dié and his wife watching from the stands, Côte d’Ivoire controlled the pace of the match, periodically increasing the intensity. In the 28th minute, Adingra again showcased his pace to beat his marker, only to see his low strike pushed away by Nahimana.

Second Half: Game Management Mode

After the break, Côte d’Ivoire shifted into game management mode but remained dangerous in bursts. Amad Diallo, making his return to the national team after nearly a year, struggled to make a major impact. He missed the target with a curled effort in the 48th minute. Moments later, Seko Fofana’s shot from the penalty spot was blocked at the last second by a Burundian defender.

To inject new energy into the game, coach Emerse Faé made several changes. Parfait Guiagon and Nicolas Pépé came on for Adingra and Diallo in the 67th minute (the latter having been booked earlier). Shortly after, Sébastien Haller and Jean-Philippe Gbamin replaced Bayo and Fofana in the 73rd.

The substitutions nearly paid off in the 80th minute. Ibrahim Sangaré struck the post before Haller’s follow-up attempt was saved on the line by the Burundian goalkeeper.

Ivoirians Set Up Showdown with Gabon

In the closing stages, Burundi pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but the hosts stood firm. With this win, Côte d’Ivoire respond to Gabon’s 4-0 demolition of Seychelles and return to the top of Group F, now one point ahead of the Panthers.

Faé’s men now turn their focus to a high-stakes clash in Franceville on Tuesday, where they will face Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Gabon side in a match that could decide the fate of the group.

Meanwhile, Burundi finds itself on the brink of elimination.