Ivory Coast crush Burkina Faso in WAFCON statement win

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Ivory Coast produced a commanding display to defeat Burkina Faso 4-1 in their opening Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) encounter on Monday, with an explosive first-half performance setting the tone for an emphatic victory.

The Ivorians wasted little time asserting themselves, taking the lead in the seventh minute when Rose Elloh converted from the penalty spot.

Konan I. then struck twice within nine minutes to put the contest beyond Burkina Faso before the break. She doubled Ivory Coast’s advantage in the 14th minute after being set up by Kouassi R., before grabbing her second in the 23rd minute from an assist by Ouedraogo N. to hand her side a commanding 3-0 halftime lead.

Ivory Coast maintained their attacking momentum after the restart and extended the advantage in the 56th minute through Ouedraogo N., who finished off another flowing move to make it 4-0.

Burkina Faso managed a consolation goal four minutes later when Congo A. capitalised on an assist from Sawadogo B., but the strike had little impact on the outcome as Ivory Coast comfortably saw out the remainder of the contest.

The Ivorians enjoyed a slight edge in possession with 52 per cent and were more clinical in front of goal, recording 12 shots to Burkina Faso’s six.

The convincing victory provides Ivory Coast with a strong boost as the competition gathers momentum, while Burkina Faso will look to bounce back in their next outing.