Egypt and Ivory Coast will, this weekend, face off in a much-anticipated Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final.
In arguably the standout fixture from the last-eight, the record seven-time AFCON winners are up against the holders. This means a giant is guaranteed to fall at this stage.
Aside from a goalless draw in the final group game, Egypt have been perfect. Although, they did require extra-time in the round of 16 to overcome Benin with Mohamed Salah finally putting the tie to bed in stoppage time.
Ivory Coast, seeking back-to-back AFCON titles, were comfortable winners against Burkina Faso on Tuesday as Manchester United winger Amad Diallo was on target once again.
The winners of this tie will take on the winners of the Mali vs Senegal showdown in the semi-final.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Egypt vs Ivory Coast is scheduled for a 7pm GMT kick-off on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
The match will take place at the Adrar Stadium.
Where to watch Egypt vs Ivory Coast
TV channel: Every match of the tournament will be broadcast across Channel 4’s network.
The game will be broadcast on E4, with coverage starting at 6.30pm GMT ahead of kick-off at 7pm.
Live stream: UK viewers will be able to stream the game on All 4.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog!
Egypt vs Ivory Coast team news
Salah is expected to start for Egypt, but it remains to be seen if the Liverpool star will be part of a two-man attack with Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush or part of a front three.
Hossam Hassan has tinkered with his formation throughout the tournament, but his hand could be forced as Mahmoud Trezeguet and Mohamed Hamdi are both doubts after picking up knocks in the win over Benin.
For Ivory Coast, their one injury concern is central defender Odilon Kossounou after he picked up a knock late on against Burkina Faso.
Ousmane Diomande replaced the Atalanta star that night and is on standby to start if Kossounou cannot play, likely partnering Evan Ndicka.
The holders are spoilt for choice in attack, though Amad is effectively a guaranteed starter given his form at the tournament so far.
Egypt vs Ivory Coast prediction
Just seven places separates these two nations in the current FIFA World rankings. That is more than enough evidence to suggest this is going to be a very close game.
This could be a game where the two teams cancel each other out, so extra-time and penalties would not be a surprise. Ultimately, we think Ivory Coast have better quality in attack to emerge victorious.
Ivory Coast to win, 1-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Egypt and Ivory Coast have plenty of history at AFCON, meeting at the round of 16 stage in January 2022 where the former won on penalties after they could not be separated inside 120 minutes.
Egypt wins: 12
Ivory Coast wins: 7
Draws: 3
Egypt vs Ivory Coast match odds
Egypt to qualify: 11/10
Ivory Coast to qualify: 13/20
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
