Côte d’Ivoire announce their return to the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after 12 years with an emphatic 4-1 win over Burkina Faso in their Group B opener at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Monday night.
The Lady Elephants produced a dominant first-half display to take control of the West African derby before seeing out the win after the break.
Rebecca Elloh opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Ines Konan struck twice, with Rosemonde Kouassi and Nsira Ouedraogo providing the assists.
Burkina Faso briefly threatened a response early in the second half through Adama Congo, who finished after being set up by Balkissa Sawadogo, but Côte d’Ivoire restored their three-goal cushion through Ouedraogo to seal an impressive opening win.
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The result gives Reynald Pedros’ side the perfect start in Group B after Tanzania had earlier stunned defending champions South Africa with a 2-1 victory.
Côte d’Ivoire entered the match with high expectations after a long absence from the TotalEnergies WAFCON stage, and they quickly showed their intent.
Elloh, one of the few players in the squad with previous WAFCON experience, gave the Ivorians the lead in the seventh minute from the penalty spot.
The early goal settled Côte d’Ivoire and allowed them to impose their rhythm on the game.
