Ivory Coast have secured their ticket to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals but Wednesday’s win over Burkina Faso came at a price, with injury to influential striker Salomon Kalou.

The Chelsea forward had to come off in the 65th minute of the 2-0 Group B tie in Malabo, clutching his thigh.

And Ivory Coast manager Francois Zaoui fears the worst.

“This is upsetting,” said the manager.

“He’s been a pivotal player for us since we began our warm-up matches. He scores goal and sets up goals and that’s why it’s going to penalise us.

“We’re worried that he’s suffered a strain or a tear because he pulled up so suddenly. We’ll find out more after a scan.”

Kalou set the Ivorians on their way to victory on Wednesday, scoring the opener on 16 minutes, having set up his Chelsea team-mate and captain Didier Drogba for the only goal of the game against Sudan last Sunday.