In the World Cup Africa Qualification match between Burundi and Cote d'Ivoire, the Ivorian side secured a narrow victory with a 1-0 win. The early goal scored just after 16 minutes by Cote d'Ivoire set the tone for the match. This early breakthrough was crucial as it allowed the Ivorians to dictate the pace of the game and focus on solidifying their defensive structure against a Burundian team that struggled to find openings.

From a statistical perspective, Cote d'Ivoire's dominance in creating set-piece opportunities is evident through their five corner kicks, compared to none for Burundi. The lack of corner kicks for the home team underscores their inability to pressure the Ivorian backline effectively. Moreover, the Ivorian team's capacity to restrain Burundian advances highlighted their well-organized defense and midfield cohesion.

Both teams faced disciplinary challenges, each receiving two yellow cards. These cautions reflect a relatively even contest in terms of physical play, as both sides committed a moderate number of fouls — 12 by Burundi and 16 by Cote d'Ivoire. This level of aggression indicates a highly competitive match, with each team attempting to gain a tactical edge, albeit within the bounds of the referee's patience.

Overall, Cote d'Ivoire's slight superiority stemmed from their ability to capitalize on early chances and maintain composure during defensive duties. The match was determined not by a barrage of shots or attacking flair but by an early advantage and cautious game management. Burundi's inability to penetrate the Ivorian defense sufficiently remains a critical talking point, emphasizing the need for more creative and threatening play in future contests.

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