A classic heavyweight showdown between Egypt and Ivory Coast

In a fiery classic clash in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, two of the continent’s giants will go head-to-head on Saturday, as record champions Egypt (seven titles) face defending holders Ivory Coast, in what represents the Pharaohs’ toughest test of the tournament so far.

Despite entering their previous match as clear favorites, Egypt were forced into extra time before sealing qualification with a 3-1 victory over Benin, following a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation time, in a performance that once again fell short of expectations.

However, having reached the quarter-finals for the fifth consecutive edition and progressed on each of the previous four occasions, the upcoming encounter presents Egypt with an opportunity to rediscover their familiar level.

On the other hand, Ivory Coast delivered an impressive display in the round of 16, eliminating Burkina Faso with a convincing 3-0 win, producing one of the tournament’s standout performances and reaffirming their ambition to retain the title and lift the trophy for a second successive time and a fourth overall.

Saturday’s clash carries a sense of revenge for the Ivorians, who have lost their last four encounters against Egypt, including two defeats on penalties. Most notably, they suffered heartbreak in the 2006 final in Cairo, despite having beaten Egypt 3-1 in the group stage, as well as elimination in the round of 16 at the 2022 edition in Cameroon, following a heavy 4-1 loss in the semi-finals of the 2008 Ghana tournament.

Attention will also be focused on a special individual duel between the two teams’ stars: Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo of Manchester United and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah of Liverpool, with both players having scored three goals each in the tournament so far.

As for absentees, Egypt will be without Mohamed Hamdy, who suffered a knee injury against Benin, while Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” has confirmed his readiness after recovering from an ankle injury. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, will welcome back one of their key players, Christian Kouamé, following the completion of his suspension.

Here are the key statistics that could help you predict the correct score and win valuable prizes with “Betway”:

• This will be the 12th encounter between Egypt and Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations — the most frequently contested fixture in the tournament’s history. The Pharaohs have lost just once in the previous 11 matches (7 wins and 3 draws).
• Egypt have progressed from every knockout-stage encounter against Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations (2 wins and 3 draws), including three penalty shootout victories — the most recent coming in the round of 16 in January 2022 (0-0, Egypt won 5-4 on penalties).
• Since their last title in 2010, this is only the third time in eight Africa Cup of Nations editions that Egypt have reached the quarter-finals (finishing runners-up in 2017 and 2021).
• Ivory Coast are unbeaten in their last eight Africa Cup of Nations matches (6 wins and 2 draws).
• Egypt have won their last five Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final matches, since losing 1-0 to Cameroon in the 2002 edition.
• Amad Diallo has been directly involved in four goals (3 goals and 1 assist) across his four Africa Cup of Nations appearances.
• Mohamed Salah has scored four goals in his last five Africa Cup of Nations matches — the same total he managed in his previous 12 matches in the competition.

For fans looking to put their predictions to the test ahead of this blockbuster AFCON quarter-final, Betway stands out as the number one betting site in Egypt, offering competitive odds and a seamless betting experience.