AFCON 2025: Battle of Titans as Egypt face Ivory Coast for place in semi finals
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 10.01.26. | 11:49
Their last meeting in this competition came back in January 2022, where the two teams battled out to a goalless draw
The last slots of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi finals are up for grabs with the last two quarter final matches set to take place today, Saturday, 10 January.
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Algeria takes on Nigeria in the first match scheduled for 1900 hrs, before paving way for the highly anticipated clash between Egypt and Ivory Coast at the Stade Adrar in Agadir from 2200 hrs.
Egypt booked a place in the last eight by handing Benin a 3-1 defeat, while Ivory Coast secured a 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso.
Record seven times winners Egypt are eyeing their eighth title, and will be keen to down defending champions Ivory Coast on their way to the coveted title.
The two nations have met 12 times previously with Egypt winning five of those encounters, the Ivorians emerging victorious three times while four matches ended in a stalemate.
©CAF OnlineTheir last meeting in this competition came back in January 2022, where the two teams battled out to a goalless draw.
Despite The Pharaohs having an edge over The Elephants, Ivory Coast captain Frank Kessie believes the record will not matter.
“We have a competent staff that will guide us in the right direction, and we will not be rattled just because an opponent eliminated us two editions ago, in the round of 16, on penalties," Kessié told Ivorian media.
However, the former Barcelona midfielder acknowledged that it will be a tough match between two top sides.
"It will be a battle between the defending champions and the most successful team in Africa, so it will be a great matchup. Either way, there is nowhere to hide. From the round of 16 and the quarterfinals, only the top teams remain. Every match will be tough," he added.
🇪🇬 Hossam Hassan: “Côte d'Ivoire is the best team here, we’ve seen their quality from the start. It’s true we have often beaten them in AFCONs, but that’s history. Only the present matters. When you are champions, you respect opponents — and we greatly respect Côte d'Ivoire.” pic.twitter.com/sBl3WHvaPH
— Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith) January 9, 2026
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan, on his part, lauded the Ivorian team, and downplayed the significance of their impressive record against the West African nation.
“Ivory Coast is one of the best teams in the competition. We have been able to see their quality since the start of the tournament.
“It is true that we have often beaten them in AFCON competitions, but that is history. Only the present reality matters. The truth is on the pitch. When you are champions, you respect your opponents and we have great respect for them,” he stated.
The winner of the tie will face Senegal in the semi finals set for Wednesday, 14 January in Tangier.
