Côte d’Ivoire marked a triumphant return to the WAFCON stage after 12 years with a commanding 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca
Côte d’Ivoire defeated Burkina Faso 4-1 tonight in their opening Group B match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The Lady Elephants marked a triumphant return to the continental tournament stage after a 12-year absence by completely dominating their West African rivals at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Côte d’Ivoire asserted control right from the first whistle, burying three goals before the half-time break and leaving Burkina Faso chasing shadows defensively. Newly appointed head coach Reynald Pedros successfully unlocked his team’s lethal wing play, taking full advantage of a Burkina Faso defence that has historically struggled to keep clean sheets at the finals.
📢 GET A DETAILED ARTICLES + JOBS
Join ASJ's WhatsApp Channel and never miss a post or opportunity.
The Lady Elephants controlled possession with 59 percent and registered 16 shots, nine on target, while Burkina Faso managed seven shots, three on target. Burkina Faso recorded 24 defensive interventions to Côte d’Ivoire’s 12.
Despite the heavy scoreline, Burkina Faso fought fiercely in the second half, managing to break past the Ivorian backline to strike a consolation goal. The game stayed relatively orderly despite tactical transitions, though Burkina Faso picked up two yellow cards late in the second half as they attempted to slow down the quick counter-attacks.
Côte d’Ivoire’s emphatic victory puts them level on three points with Tanzania at the top of Group B, while Burkina Faso will need to regroup ahead of their next fixture.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on July 27, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
🏟️ Discover More Sports Stories
Looking for more in-depth sports news, interviews, and features? Visit Accra Sports News — your go-to for exclusive sports content in Ghana and beyond.
Disclaimer: Some content on Accra Street Journal may be aggregated, summarized, or edited from third-party sources for informational purposes. Images and media are used under fair use or royalty-free licenses. Accra Street Journal is a subsidiary of SamBoad Publishing Hub under SamBoad Business Group Ltd, registered in Ghana since 2014.
For concerns or inquiries, please visit our Privacy Policy or Contact Page.
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
