Ivory Coast snatched top spot back into their possession on Friday in Morocco as the Elephants defeated Burundi by a 1-0 score in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash from Group F.
It was a dominant performance from the Ivorian team but inadequate finishing maintained a level of suspense against overmatched Burundi. Fortunately for the reigning African champions, Evann Guessand's 16th minute strike stood as the winner.
The in form Nice forward was in the right spot to collect and fire in a low finish off the post after a cross from the right wing by Guéla Doué was knocked down by Sébastien Haller for Guessand to pounce.
Burundi posed little threat to the Ivorian goal. Mohamed Amissi was the most promising player in the Burundian attack, producing hard work on the right wing in the 14th minute before setting up Mokono Eldhino to fire an effort across the goal mouth that went wide of Yahia Fofana's goal.
The second half was rather uneventful but that was fine enough for Ivorian coach Emerse Faé who will be disappointed with his team's lack of killer instinct but satisfied with the full three points. The Elephants are a point ahead of Gabon in Group F and will host Gambia next on Monday. Burundi, in third place six points back of the Ivorians, will stay in Morocco to face minnows Seychelles.
Group F Table (5 matches played)
Points | |
Ivory Coast | 13 |
Gabon | 12 |
Burundi | 7 |
Kenya | 6 |
Gambia | 4 |
Seychelles | 0 |
The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative in the intercontinental qualifying playoff.
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