Dar es Salaam. Egypt and Ivory Coast will clash in the quarter-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at Stade d’Agadir in a fixture that promises drama, skill, and top-level African football.
Both sides arrive with strong performances behind them, setting the stage for an intense encounter.
The Pharaohs required extra time to overcome Benin in the round of 16, eventually winning 3-1.
While the scoreline suggests control, the North Africans were pushed hard, with Benin pulling the game into extra time in the final stages.
Despite the challenge, Egypt extended their unbeaten run against African opposition to 14 matches, winning 12 and drawing twice.
Hossam Hassan’s side have been consistent, combining experience and youth to maintain momentum through the tournament.
In recent matches, Egypt have been unbeaten in their last five games, winning four and drawing one.
This run has bolstered confidence ahead of a formidable challenge from the reigning champions, Ivory Coast.
A victory over the Elephants would mark a significant step toward Egypt’s quest for an eighth continental trophy, reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s most successful nations in football history.
Ivory Coast, the current Africa Cup of Nations holders, arrive with plenty of confidence.
Their round of 16 match against Burkina Faso ended in a 3-0 victory, featuring a brace from Amad Diallo and a late goal from Bazoumana Toure.
The Elephants’ recent run in AFCON tournaments has been impressive, reaching the knockout stages in ten of their last eleven appearances.
This consistency underlines their reputation as a formidable force in African football.
Ivory Coast enter this quarter-final unbeaten in their last five matches across competitions, giving Emerse Fae’s team a psychological advantage as they face the tricky Egyptian side.
Egypt’s lineup is expected to feature the regular starters, though fitness concerns loom over Mahmoud Trezeguet Hassan, who suffered a ligament injury against Benin.
Full-back Mohamed Hamdy is ruled out for the rest of the competition after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.
Apart from these absences, Hassan has a broad pool of players to choose from, allowing tactical flexibility and depth in key positions.
The team will rely on the creativity of Mohamed Salah and the work rate of emerging stars like Ahmed Ashour and Mostafa Marmoush.
Ivory Coast will be without Christ Inao Oulai due to suspension from accumulated cards. Nevertheless, they retain top-quality options, including Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, who has scored three goals in the tournament so far.
Key players like Yan Diomande and Diallo will be central to Ivory Coast’s attacking strategy, while Franck Kessie and Seko Fofana provide stability and creativity in midfield. Their defensive setup, led by Odilon Kossounou and Nordi Ndicka, has been resolute throughout the tournament.
Egypt’s possible starting lineup: El Shenawy; Fatouh, Rabia, Ibrahim, Hany; Adel, Fathy, Attia; Ashour, Marmoush, Salah
Ivory Coast’s possible starting lineup: Y. Fofana; Doue, Kossounou, Ndicka, Konan; Kessie, Sangare, S. Fofana; Diallo, Guessand, Diomande
Both teams have shown attacking flair and defensive discipline in the tournament so far, promising a competitive and tactical battle in Agadir. Egypt will rely on their experience and Salah’s brilliance, while Ivory Coast bring youthful energy and momentum led by Diallo.
The quarter-final clash between these two African giants is expected to be a high-intensity encounter full of strategic battles, moments of individual skill, and excitement that fans have come to expect from AFCON.
This matchup pits Africa’s history and pedigree against the reigning champions’ hunger and momentum, making it one of the must-watch games of AFCON 2025.
