Egypt take on Ivory Coast tomorrow. Read our in-depth preview here…
Match Preview for Egypt v Ivory Coast
Egypt have not been at their sparkling best at AFCON 2025 and star striker Mohamed Salah admits their form means they are not among the favourites to win the tournament.
Back-to-back, but largely unimpressive, wins against Zimbabwe and South Africa saw them secure a place in the knockout rounds before the goalless draw with Angola – a game in which coach Hossam Hassan rested several key men including Salah. They appeared well set to see off Benin in the round of 16 but a late equaliser meant they had to go to extra-time before prevailing 3-1.
And Salah accepts their status has probably receded during their time in Morocco.
The Liverpool striker told CAF Online: “I don’t think we are favourites. We have young players, most of them playing back home in Egypt. We are just fighting for our country, then we see where we can go. Everyone here just wants to give their best.”
Hassan’s decision to make changes for the Angola game proved crucial against Benin, according to Salah, who added: “Physically, we were a little better in extra time and that gave us the advantage. There is no easy game in Africa anymore because the levels are very close. I told the boys that we haven’t seen teams losing by four or five goals, and that says a lot.”
Ivory Coast appear a better bet to go all the way, led by captain Franck Kessie and inspired by the brilliant Amad Diallo.
In Diallo, Christ Inao Oulaï and Bazoumana Touré, Ivory Coast have a new wave of players coming through and Kessie is exited by what is to come.
He said: “We have Amad, Bazoumana, Inao Christ… Like all Ivorians, I am an admirer of these young people. I am a fan. When we see what they produce and what they do with the ball, you can only be a fan. They are very good players.
“With these young people, Ivory Coast can sleep peacefully in the next five or 10 years.”
Team News for Egypt v Ivory Coast
Egypt’s win over Benin came at a cost with midfielder Trezeguet suffering an ankle injury that is set to keep him out of the last-eight clash while defender Mohamed Hamdi ruptured an ACL and will miss several months.
Christ Inao Oulai is suspended for Ivory Coast.
Predicted line-ups for Egypt v Ivory Coast
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
How to watch Egypt v Ivory Coast: TV and online streams
Kick-off on Saturday is at 7pm UK time. In the UK, live AFCON 2025 coverage is on Channel 4’s 4seven, All 4 and YouTube channel. In the USA, beIN Sports is the tournament broadcaster.
Online live streaming is available on a vast range of devices through Channel 4’s website and app and the beIN Sports app.
Stats for Egypt v Ivory Coast
- Ivory Coast have made the knockout stages in 10 of their last 11 Africa Cup of Nations appearances
- Egypt have not lost to another African side in 14 games, winning 12
Prediction for Egypt v Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast appear to have the players in form. If Salah turns up and delivers a vintage performance then Egypt will be tough to stop but we’re going for the Ivorians to edge it with Diallo prominent.
Prediction: Egypt 1-2 Ivory Coast
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