Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire are set to clash once again in a historic showdown at the Grand Stade d’Agadir. This meeting takes place during the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, held in Morocco. With a rich history and mutual respect, both teams carry the weight of ambition on their shoulders.
Historic Rivalry and Ambitions
Egypt seeks to secure its eighth AFCON title, further solidifying its position as the tournament’s most decorated team. Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire aims to defend its continental crown, presenting a compelling narrative of rivalry and legacy.
Coaches’ Duel
The confrontation extends beyond the pitch. Coaches Hossam Hassan of Egypt and Emerse Faé of Côte d’Ivoire share a past, having played against each other in the 2006 AFCON. In that tournament, Hassan triumphed in both the group stage and the final, possessing an unbeaten record against the Ivorians as a player.
Key Players and Injuries
- Hossam Hassan: Egypt’s coach, remains confident despite the challenge ahead.
- Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan: Forward, a crucial player for Egypt, is a doubt due to injury.
- Mohamed Hamdi: Left-back, also facing injury concerns following the Round of 16 match against Benin.
Hassan emphasized teamwork as a crucial element in facing Côte d’Ivoire, acknowledging their strength as a formidable opponent.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Challenge
Côte d’Ivoire arrives in Agadir with determination. The team traveled three hours from Marrakech to participate in their first game at this venue in the tournament. Coach Faé recognizes the historical challenges, noting the Ivorian squad has only beaten Egypt once in 12 past AFCON encounters.
Performance Highlights
- Côte d’Ivoire achieved a notable 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso in the Round of 16.
- Egypt holds a dominant record against Côte d’Ivoire, winning seven matches in AFCON history.
The pressure is palpable as both teams prepare for this crucial encounter. Only one will advance to the semi-finals, with history, pride, and ambitions colliding in Agadir.
Coaches’ Perspectives
Hossam Hassan expressed confidence in his team’s capabilities, emphasizing respect for Côte d’Ivoire as defending champions. He stated, “Each game is a final, regardless of the opponent.”
Emerse Faé reflected on their shared history, finding humor in their past encounters while preparing for the match. “To win AFCON, you have to be ready to face anyone at any time,” he noted.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Egypt | Côte d’Ivoire |
|---|---|---|
| AFCON Wins | 7 | 1 |
| Knockout Matches | 4 | 4 |
| Goals in Knockout Matches | 4 | 0 |
As the teams gear up for this exciting quarter-final, the anticipation grows. Fans await to see which giant will progress towards continental glory in this historic rivalry.
