Egypt vs Ivory Coast Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Record winners of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt, take on the defending champions the Ivory Coast in a stellar quarter-final this weekend in Morocco.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Matches will be televised across the Channel 4 network / USA – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – All 4 & Channel 4 Sport YouTube / USA – beIN Sports Connect & Fubo
Egypt preview: Seven-time winners
Under the management of Hossam Hassan, the Egyptians have been very strong in the last couple of years, comfortably securing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification and effectively partnering the majorly improved Omar Marmoush with Mohamed Salah.
The Pharaohs eased through the group stages but found the round of 16 a little tougher as they required a couple of goals in extra-time from Yasser Ibrahim, as well as Salah, in a 3-1 win against Benin at Stade Adrar in Agadir.
Ivory Coast preview: Reigning champions
In the previous CAF Africa Cup of Nations, the Ivory Coast appointed Emerse Fae mid-way through the campaign and he led Les Elephants to a remarkable triumph in the tournament before continuing their progression in between times.
The Ivorians, who will also be in North America in the summer, were extremely impressive in their round of 16 tie against Burkina Faso, winning by three goals to nil with RB Leipzig man Yan Diomande in particular starring.
Egypt team news: No Hamdi
Experienced defender Mohamed Hamdi was forced off just before half-time against Benin last week and he is now unavailable due to injury for this quarter-final.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Ashour; Attia, Fathy, Adel; Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet
Unavailable: Hamdi (Injured)
Questionable:
Ivory Coast team news: Nothing fresh
There are no fresh injury concerns or suspension issues for the Ivorians and, with a fully fit and available squad, there is little reason for them to make any changes this week.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Y. Fofana; Doue, Kossounou, Ndicka, Konan; Kessie, Sangare, S. Fofana; Diallo, Guessand, Diomande
Unavailable:
Questionable:
Egypt vs Ivory Coast prediction
Egypt have some brilliant elements to play on the counter-attack with both Salah and Marmoush ably supported by former Aston Villa winger Trezeguet, who is at his best when in transition. They face an Ivorian side that may well play into that by playing quite a possession-dominant style of football but, frankly, the performance level of both sides would suggest the defending champions are favourites for this clash in north Africa.
Egypt vs Ivory Coast tip: Double chance – Ivory Coast to win or draw
