Ivory Coast Edges Burundi to Reclaim Top Spot in World Cup Qualifiers
Khaled Hegazy
Dailysports's expert
Ivory Coast defeated Burundi 1-0 on Friday in the fifth matchday of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a close but crucial victory. At the Stade d'Honneur de Meknès in Morocco, Evann Guessand's lone goal decided the contest.
Guessand Breaks the Deadlock
Both teams started cautiously, with Burundi creating the first opportunity in the 12th minute. But Ivory Coast reacted swiftly. Returning from a month-long hiatus, Sébastien Haller headed the ball toward Guessand in the 17th minute. Guessand beat Jonathan Nahimana with a crisp cross-shot.
Resolute Ivorian Defense Holds Firm
Ivory Coast pushed for a second goal, with Guéla Doué coming close in the 19th minute. However, Burundi upped the pressure in the second half, forcing the Ivorian defense to stand strong. Despite a late counterattack opportunity (90+3), the Swallows couldn’t find an equalizer.
Top of Group F
With this victory, the reigning African champions reclaim the top spot in Group F, moving ahead of Gabon, who defeated Seychelles 3-0. Next up, Franck Kessié and his teammates face Gambia on Monday, aiming to consolidate their lead in the standings.
