Defending Champions Eye Semi-Final Spot as Manchester United Star Urges Tactical Discipline Against Seven-Time Winners in High-Stakes Showdown.

AFCON 2025 Ivory Coast vs Egypt

The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco reaches fever pitch tonight as defending champions Ivory Coast face off against record seven-time winners Egypt in a blockbuster quarter-final at Stade Adrar in Agadir. Kick-off is set for 8pm local time (7pm GMT), and all eyes are on Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, who has been in sensational form for the Elephants.

Fresh from a commanding 3-0 Round of 16 victory over Burkina Faso — where Diallo scored the opener and provided an assist — the 23-year-old has urged his teammates to maintain laser focus throughout the 90 minutes.

Speaking exclusively to CAF Online, Diallo emphasized the razor-thin margins that could decide this heavyweight encounter against a Pharaohs side led by Mohamed Salah.

“It will be a game of fine margins. We’ll have to stay focused from start to finish. Against a team like Egypt, the smallest mistake can be costly,” Diallo said.

He stressed the need for tactical precision: “We’ll need to be tactically disciplined, aggressive in winning the ball back, and above all clinical when chances arise.”

Despite the high stakes, the United star admits the occasion carries special meaning.

“It’s a dream. Playing an AFCON quarter-final against Egypt is something very special. But beyond the emotion, there’s a great sense of responsibility. We want to keep the journey going, make our supporters proud, and go as far as possible in this competition.”

The Elephants are chasing back-to-back titles — a feat not achieved since Egypt’s three-peat ended in 2010 — and momentum is firmly on their side after a dominant display in the last 16.

Ivory Coast, under coach Emerse Faé, have blended youth and experience perfectly, with Diallo (three goals so far) emerging as a key attacking threat. Egypt, coached by Hossam Hassan, advanced past Benin in extra time and boast the experience of seven AFCON crowns, but they’ll need to contain the Elephants’ pace and creativity.

This clash pits the reigning champions’ current momentum against Egypt’s storied pedigree — expect tactical battles, individual brilliance, and potential drama in Agadir.