Ivory Coast turns its long-awaited return into a night that completely shakes up the WAFCON

After a 12-year absence, Ivory Coast returned to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

The Lady Elephants took advantage of a blistering start to seize control of the West African derby and begin their Group B campaign with a performance that confirmed their ambitions in the tournament.

A return that began perfectly

Reynald Pedros’ side needed only seven minutes to open the scoring. Rebecca Elloh converted from the penalty spot and eased the tension for a team playing its first WAFCON match since 2014.

The goal allowed the Ivorians to establish themselves in the opposition half with greater confidence, while Burkina Faso struggled enormously to contain its rival’s speed and attacking movement.

Ines Konan unleashes the storm

A move initiated by Rosemonde Kouassi ended with Ines Konan scoring to make it 2-0 in the 14th minute.

Burkina Faso failed to respond, and Konan struck again in the 23rd minute. The forward took advantage of an assist from Nsira Ouedraogo to complete her brace and make it 3-0 before halftime.

Returning from halftime

Ivory Coast returned to the field with greater intensity and extended its lead even further, scoring the 4-0 shortly after the start of the second half. Nsira Ouedraogo finished the move that effectively put the match beyond reach.

The goal reinforced the Lady Elephants’ dominance as they continued to control the tempo of the match and shut down any attempt at a response from their opponents.

Burkina Faso found hope

Despite the setback, Burkina Faso continued pushing until the end.

The Lady Stallions finally pulled one back to make it 4-1 through Adama Congo, who took advantage of one of the final opportunities of the match.

The goal served only as a consolation, as Ivory Coast remained in control until the final whistle.

The Lady Elephants alter the Group B landscape

The victory marked a perfect return for Ivory Coast, which had not participated in the continent’s premier women’s competition for 12 years.

The result also places Reynald Pedros’ team in a favorable position in a Group B that began with a surprise after Tanzania defeated defending champions South Africa 2-1.

With two teams advancing to the next round, Ivory Coast took an important step in the race for the quarterfinals and made it clear from its opening appearance that it did not return to the WAFCON merely to take part.