Report: Rampant Lady Elephants too good for Burkina Faso in WAFCON opener
Ivory Coast opened their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso, inspired by a brace from Ines Konan and a commanding team display.
Ivory Coast made an impressive start to their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso, as the Lady Elephants overwhelmed their opponents with an attacking masterclass from the opening whistle.
Rebecca Elloh opened the scoring from the penalty spot after just seven minutes before Ines Konan doubled the advantage in the 14th minute with an assist from Rosemonde Kouassi.
Konan struck again nine minutes later, this time finishing off a move created by N’Sira Safi Ouedraogo, to put Ivory Coast firmly in control before halftime.
The match also produced the tournament’s first major VAR incident when Mariam Diakite was initially shown the first red card of the competition, only for the decision to be overturned following a video review.
However, Burkina Faso were later reduced to 10 players after Fauzatou Ouedraogo was sent off seven minutes into the second half, becoming the first player dismissed at the tournament.
N’Sira Ouedraogo then crowned her fine display with a superb direct free-kick before the hour mark, while Burkina Faso grabbed a late consolation through Adama Congo, who converted from Balkissa Sawadogo’s assist, but it was not enough to prevent a comprehensive opening-day defeat.
Ivory Coast move to top of Group B ahead of Tanzania on goal difference, after the latter shocked South Africa for their first-ever win in the tournament history earlier.
