Egypt face Ivory Coast in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final on Saturday
The Pharaohs beat Benin 3-1 in the round of 16, while the Elephants defeated Burkina Faso 3-0 to advance to this stage.
Match preview
Inspired by talismanic forward Mohamed Salah, Egypt finished top of Group B and qualified for the round of 16 with a game to spare.
They were held to a 1-1 draw by Benin after 90 minutes, before Yasser Ibrahim and Salah struck in extra time to seal a 3-1 win.
Egypt have been one of the best offensive teams, ranking fourth in the competition for big chances created (15). They have conceded two goals, underscoring their defensive solidity.
Ivory Coast have been one of the most entertaining teams, with forward Yan Diomande leading the tournament for most successful dribbles per game.
The RB Leipzig forward was on target against Burkina Faso, scoring on either side of Amad Diallo and Bazoumana Toure’s goals.
The defending champions rank third for goals scored and second for total shots per game, underscoring their attacking prowess. They have been modest defensively, conceding three times.
Head-to-head
The have met 21 times overall, with the Pharaohs winning 11 matches compared to the Elephants’ six. Four games have ended as draws.
Team news
Trezeguet is doubtful for Egypt, while Mohamed Hamdy has been ruled out of the competition.
Ivory Coast have no injury worries ahead of this game. They will be without Christ Inao Oulai, who is suspended.
Predicted line-ups
Egypt (5-3-2): Mohamed El Shenawy, Rami Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Hamdy Fathy, Ahmed Abou El Fotouh, Mohamed Hany, Ibrahim Adel, Marwan Attia, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Salah.
Ivory Coast (4-3-3): Yahia Fofana, Guela Doue, Odilon Kossounou, Evan Ndicka, Ghislain Konan, Ibrahim Sangare, Jean Seri, Franck Kessie, Amad Diallo, Evan Guessand, Yan Diomande.
Prediction
We predict a 2-1 win for Ivory Coast.
Stats from sofascore.com.
