WAFCON 2026: Côte d’Ivoire Thrash Burkina Faso 4-1 in Group B Opener

Côte d’Ivoire opened their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

Rebecca Elloh gave the Ivorians an early lead from the penalty spot in the seventh minute before Inès Konan took centre stage. Konan scored twice in nine minutes, finding the net in the 14th and 23rd minutes to put Côte d’Ivoire 3-0 ahead before half-time.

Burkina Faso's task became even tougher after they were reduced to 10 players following a red card in the 52nd minute. Côte d’Ivoire quickly took advantage, with N’Sira Safi Ouedraogo adding a fourth goal in the 56th minute. The Lady Stallions managed a consolation through Adama Congo four minutes later, but they could not mount a comeback as Côte d’Ivoire comfortably saw out the victory.

The result gives Côte d’Ivoire three valuable points in Group B, which also features South Africa and Tanzania. Côte d’Ivoire will next face South Africa, while Burkina Faso will look to respond against Tanzania.