One of the quarter-finals of AFCON 2025 pits two of Africa’s most decorated football nations against each other. Between them, Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire boast a combined total of ten Africa Cup of Nations titles, underlining the prestige and high stakes of this clash.

Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire is truly a ten-star duel. With seven AFCON trophies, Egypt remain the most successful nation in the history of the competition. Between 2006 and 2010, the Pharaohs won three consecutive editions, a unique achievement in African football.

Against Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt also hold a dominant historical record. In 11 AFCON encounters, the Pharaohs have recorded 11 victories, making them the Elephants’ ultimate nemesis and reinforcing their status as favourites ahead of this quarter-final.

Côte d’Ivoire: The Defending Champions

Côte d’Ivoire enter this quarter-final as the defending champions, following their triumph at the 2023 edition, hosted on home soil and played in 2024. The Elephants have lifted the trophy twice in the past 20 years (2015 and 2023) and rely on an experienced and resilient generation.

However, their historical record against Egypt remains unfavourable, a psychological factor that could weigh heavily in this high-intensity encounter.

Over the past two decades, this quarter-final brings together three Egyptian titles and two Ivorian titles. Beyond the statistics, this match is a clash of prestige, as two continental giants battle for a place in the semi-finals.