Egypt and Ivory Coast will battle for a spot within the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final 4 on Saturday, January 10, at Stade Adrar in Agadir. This conventional AFCON knockout conflict pits the document winners towards the defending champions.
The 2 groups stay undefeated within the competitors, each ending prime of their respective teams with seven factors. Within the Spherical of 16, the Pharaohs had been pushed into additional time by Benin for a 3-1 win. The Elephants, however, simply swept previous Burkina Faso 3-0 in regulation time.
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The workforce that wins this tie will face Senegal within the semifinal. This text will deal with three key battles that might decide which workforce advances to face the Teranga Lions.
#3 Mohamed Salah vs Ghislain Konan
Ivory Coast’s left-back, Ghislain Konan, may have his work reduce out when he comes up towards star ahead Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian captain has had a stellar AFCON efficiency, scoring as soon as in every of his three appearances within the competitors.
Salah’s proficiency within the last third is well-documented, thus Konan should be at his finest to stifle the Liverpool man. The Ivorain left-back usually overlaps to assist the assault in coach Emerse Fae’s most popular 4-3-3 setup, and may very well be caught wanting in counterattacking conditions.
Most of Egypt’s attacking play tends to move by means of Salah’s wing, and it will likely be fascinating to see how Konan can match as much as the two-time African Participant of the Yr.
#2 Amad Diallo vs Ahmed El Fotouh
Amad Diallo has arguably been Ivory Coast’s finest performer at AFCON 2025. He has registered three objectives and an help in 4 video games up to now, accumulating three Man of the Match awards.
The Manchester United star has been the livewire of the Elephants’ assault, enjoying a twin function of playmaker and scorer. Along with his affect for his facet apparent to all, the Egyptian defence must control the 23-year-old.
Ahmed El Fotouh would be the man saddled with the accountability of maintaining Diallo in examine. He’s anticipated to switch Mohammend Hamidi within the beginning XI after the first-choice left-back picked up a muscle harm versus Benin.
The Egyptians are recognized for his or her defensive solidity, whereas the Ivorians have demonstrated attacking fluidity. This battle may determine the result of the encounter.
#1 Marwan Ateya vs Ibrahim Sangare
Whereas a lot of the attacking play is predicted to come back by means of the flanks on this encounter, the midfield can’t be neglected. Marwan Ateya and Ibrahim Sangare each sit in defensive midfield for his or her respective groups and would battle for who dictates the tempo and transitions of the sport
In opposition to a resilient Benin within the Spherical of 16, Ateya stepped up for the Pharaohs with a aim and an help. This time round, he faces a extra dominant and difficult opponent in Sangare.
Each gamers are recognized for his or her robust tackling and excessive work price, making it a conflict ot titans within the coronary heart of midfield.
Edited by Okenna Okere