BETTING GUIDE: Egypt Vs Ivory Coast, match preview, team news and betting tip
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 09.01.26. | 13:35
Historically, Egypt hold the edge in this fixture, having won 12 of the 22 previous meetings between the sides
An Africa Cup of Nations semi-final spot will be on the line on Saturday, when Egypt and Ivory Coast meet in a major clash at the Stade Adrar.
With a semi-final showdown against either Mali or Senegal awaiting the winner in Tangier on January 14, this clash pits the tournament’s most successful nation against the reigning champions, adding historical weight and modern momentum to an already compelling contest.
Egypt arrives at this stage carrying both expectation and pressure. Seven-time AFCON winners, the Pharaohs have not lifted the trophy since 2010, and their campaign so far has been more about survival than dominance.
In the round of 16, they edged past Benin 3-1 after extra time in a game that exposed some structural issues despite the flattering scoreline.
Across their last five matches, Egypt has scored eight goals and conceded three, reflecting a side that can still find the net but is not fully convincing defensively.
Nevertheless, they remain unbeaten in their last five fixtures (W4, D1), and more impressively, they are unbeaten in 14 consecutive matches against African opposition. Although AFCON is played at neutral venues, Egypt’s “home-style” form in Morocco has been steady rather than spectacular, built on control, patience, and individual quality.
In team news, Mahmoud Trezeguet Hassan is a major doubt after tearing a ligament against Benin, while full-back Mohamed Hamdy has already been ruled out for the rest of the tournament with an ACL injury.
Mohamed Salah remains the central attacking threat, supported by Omar Marmoush, while Mohammed El Shenawy’s experience in goal continues to be vital in tight knockout scenarios.
Ivory Coast, by contrast, appears to be gathering momentum at exactly the right time. The defending champions delivered one of the standout performances of the round of 16, comfortably beating Burkina Faso 3-0 in a controlled, authoritative display.
That result extended their unbeaten run to five matches (W4, D1). Over their last five games, the Elephants have scored ten goals and conceded just three, underlining a balanced side capable of dominating both boxes.
Emerse Fae’s squad does have a notable absence, with Christ Inao Oulai suspended due to card accumulation, but they retain significant quality across the pitch.
Amad Diallo has been one of the tournament’s standout performers with three goals, while Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré provide physicality and control in midfield. Their defensive unit, led by Evan Ndicka and Odilon Kossounou, has also grown stronger with each round.
Historically, Egypt holds the edge in this fixture, having won 12 of the 22 previous meetings between the sides.
They have also won four of the last six head-to-head encounters, including eliminating Ivory Coast on penalties at AFCON 2021. However, recent form and momentum suggest this tie is far more evenly balanced than history alone implies.
Key Betting Pointers:
Ivory Coast are unbeaten in their last 11 competitive matches.
Ivory Coast’s unbeaten record includes nine wins and two draws since their loss to Zambia in November 2024.
Côte d’Ivoire has won 4 of their last 5 matches.
This promises to be a tense, tactical encounter, but Ivory Coast’s rhythm, confidence as reigning champions, and superior balance between attack and defense give them a slight edge.
Egypt’s pedigree and Salah’s influence keep them competitive, yet momentum often proves decisive at this stage.
Prediction: Ivory Coast to win
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