Egypt booked their place in the AFCON quarter-finals after a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time win over Benin, a game that tested their character more than expected. This moment captured how the Pharaohs were pushed to the limit before eventually pulling clear.
That result stretched Egypt’s unbeaten run against African opposition to 14 matches, and confidence remains steady in camp.
Egypt have also had to settle for shared points earlier in the tournament, with their draw against Angola underlining that their AFCON campaign has so far been shaped more by consistency than outright dominance.
Ivory Coast, however, represent a much sterner challenge. The defending champions looked sharp in a 3-0 win over Burkina Faso in the round of 16, scoring twice early before sealing the result late on.
That victory underlined their attacking strength and extended an impressive knockout record, having now reached this stage in 10 of their last 11 AFCON appearances. The Elephants arrive with momentum and belief as they eye another deep run.
Team News
Egypt are expected to keep faith with most of the players who featured against Benin. There are concerns over Mahmoud Trezeguet Hassan, who picked up a ligament injury, while Mohamed Hamdy is already ruled out for the rest of the tournament.
Aside from those issues, Hossam Hassan has a largely settled squad to choose from. Egypt also posted on their X handle,
The preparation for Ivory Coast has begun 💪,
showing focus ahead of the clash.
Ivory Coast will be without Christ Inao Oulai due to suspension, but they still boast plenty of quality, including Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, who has three goals in the tournament.
Possible Lineups
Egypt: El Shenawy; Fatouh, Rabia, Ibrahim, Hany; Adel, Fathy, Attia; Ashour, Marmoush, Salah.
Ivory Coast: Y. Fofana; Doue, Kossounou, Ndicka, Konan; Kessie, Sangare, S. Fofana; Diallo, Guessand, Diomande.
Softfootball Prediction
Softfootball reported that while Egypt’s experience is invaluable, Ivory Coast’s current form and attacking balance could prove decisive. Prediction: Egypt 1-2 Ivory Coast.
