The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations reaches a fever pitch tonight, Saturday, January 10, 2026, as the record seven-time champions Egypt face the defending champions Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). This high-stakes quarter-final takes place at the Stade Adrar in Agadir, Morocco, with kick-off set for 19:00 GMT.
The winner will secure a coveted spot in the semi-finals, keeping their dreams of continental glory alive in what many consider the most competitive AFCON in recent memory.
Match Details: Kick-off & Official Info
Competition: AFCON 2025 (Quarter-Final)
Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
Kick-off: 19:00 GMT / 21:00 Cairo / 14:00 ET
Venue: Stade Adrar, Agadir, Morocco
Referee: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)
Broadcast: E4 (UK), beIN SPORTS (US/MENA), Canal+ Sport (Africa)
The Storyline: Grinding Results vs. Champion Flair
Egypt: The Pharaohs’ Resilience
Hossam Hassan’s Egypt arrived in the quarter-finals after a grueling Round of 16 encounter against Benin. The Pharaohs were forced into extra time before eventually prevailing 3–1, thanks to goals from Yasser Ibrahim and the talismanic Mohamed Salah. While Salah admits the team might not be the "favorites" due to their young squad, their ability to grind out results is legendary. Egypt currently boasts a 14-game unbeaten streak against African nations, a record they will lean on heavily tonight.
Cote d’Ivoire: The Defensive Juggernaut
The "Elephants" have been the tournament's most clinical side, fresh off a dominant 3–0 demolition of Burkina Faso. Led by the sparkling form of Amad Diallo—who has three goals so far—and the veteran leadership of Franck Kessié, the defending champions look like a team on a mission to retain their crown. They have shown a particular flair in the second half of matches, scoring after the interval in each of their last six games.
Team News & Probable Lineups
Egypt Team News
Major Blow: Left-back Mohamed Hamdy has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament with an ACL injury.
Doubt: Mahmoud "Trezeguet" Hassan is a significant doubt after sustaining an ankle ligament tear in the previous round.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): El Shenawy; Hany, Rabia, Ibrahim, Abou El Fotouh; Fathy, Ateya, Adel; Zizo, Marmoush, Salah.
Cote d’Ivoire Team News
Suspended: Midfielder Christ Inao Oulaï is out due to yellow card accumulation.
Returns: Sébastien Haller is expected to be available for selection after a recent injury concern.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Y. Fofana; Doué, Kossounou, N'Dicka, Konan; Kessié, Sangaré, Seri; Amad, Guessand, Diomandé.
Head-to-Head (H2H) & Key Stats
Historical Edge: Egypt has historically dominated this fixture, winning 11 of their 21 total meetings (Ivory Coast has 6 wins, with 4 draws).
Recent Record: Egypt has won the last four meetings between the two sides, including a penalty shootout victory in the 2021 AFCON Round of 16.
The Salah Factor: Egypt has won their last three matches in which Mohamed Salah has found the back of the net.
Clean Sheet Kings: Egypt has not conceded more than one goal in any match during this AFCON campaign.
Tactical Analysis: Experience vs. Momentum
The tactical battle will likely center on Egypt’s ability to absorb the Ivorian pressure. Hossam Hassan is expected to set up a compact defensive block to nullify the dribbling threat of Yan Diomandé and Amad Diallo. For the Elephants, the challenge is breaking down an Egyptian defense that has mastered the art of "suffocation." If the game remains scoreless past the hour mark, Egypt’s experience in extra-time scenarios could give them a psychological edge.
Match Prediction
This is the ultimate "unstoppable force vs. immovable object" scenario. While Ivory Coast has the momentum and health, Egypt has the historical pedigree and Mohamed Salah. It likely won't be high-scoring, but it will be intense.
Final Score Prediction: Egypt 1–2 Cote d’Ivoire (AET)
