AFCON 2025 - Preview: Egypt vs Cote D'Ivoire

An armchair for two
On one side, the record holder of titles (7 crowns). On the other, the reigning champion who is not ready to let go easily. Egypt, after a laborious journey in the group phase has regained its defensive position.  Côte d'Ivoire’s Emerse Faé seems to have retained the magic of 2024, displaying an offensive power that has made all the opposing defenses give up since the start of the tournament in Morocco.

The long-distance duel between Mohamed Salah, sparkling in the previous round, and the Ivorian central pivot will be the key to the match. The Pharaohs rely on their counter-attacks and tactical vice, while the Elephants rely on an ultra-physical midfield and the speed of their wings with Amad Diallo as their new leader. The Manchester United midfielder has taken on a new dimension since the start of the competition with already 3 goals and does not intend to stop there.

A history clearly in favor of Egypt
Between Pharaohs and Elephants, the history of the CAN has often been written during this confrontation. If Côte d'Ivoire impresses, the statistics historically lean towards the Nile. It will be the 12th time that these two giants meet in the final phase of the AFCON. An absolute record.

Over the past 10 years, Côte d'Ivoire has only beaten Egypt once in an official match.
The last confrontation dates back to 2021 in Cameroon. A draw (0-0) where Egypt had won on penalties (5-4), breaking the hopes of the Ivorian in the last 16.
Total record in AFCON: 11 matches, 7 wins for Egypt, 2 draws, 2 wins for Ivory Coast.

«A matter of pride»
Both sides stepped up the pressure at a press conference on Friday.

"We know their strength, but Egypt does not play the quarters to participate. We are playing for history. Every player knows what he has to do."

 — Mohamed Salah, Captain of the Pharaohs.

"The past belongs to statisticians. In the field on Saturday, there will be no past, only eleven warriors who want to keep their trophy. We are ready for a 120-minute battle if necessary."

 — Emerse Faé, Coach of Côte d'Ivoire.