Ivorian star Franck Kessie, midfielder for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli club, made strong statements characterized by confidence and defiance before the anticipated match that will bring together his country’s national team, “The Elephants,” with their Egyptian counterparts, “The Pharaohs,” scheduled to take place next Saturday as part of the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco.
Kessie's statements: Respect without fear
Speaking to the Ivorian website Mondial Sport, Kessié affirmed that his team possesses the necessary mentality to handle the immense pressure, stating, "We won't panic just because we're facing a team that eliminated us on penalties two editions ago. We understand the magnitude of the responsibility on our shoulders, and we can no longer hide." The midfield maestro added that the tournament has reached its decisive stages, where there is no room for error, explaining, "From the round of 16 onwards, we face only the best teams on the African continent, so it will be a thrilling match and a top-class football battle.".
Clash of the Titans: The reigning champion versus the historic champion
This match takes on exceptional importance, transcending its status as a mere quarter-final, with analysts describing it as an "early final." The clash pits Ivory Coast, the reigning champions, against Egypt, the record holders for the most titles (7). Fans will be reminded of the dramatic encounter between the two sides in the 2021 edition in Cameroon, when the Pharaohs eliminated the Elephants on penalties in the round of 16, adding a layer of revenge to Saturday's match in Morocco.
The two teams' journey to the quarter-finals
Both teams reached this stage after delivering strong performances in the Round of 16, promising a high-level tactical and physical encounter. Egypt secured their place in the quarterfinals with a convincing 3-1 victory over Benin, showcasing impressive attacking prowess. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast sent a strong warning to their rivals with a resounding 3-0 win over Burkina Faso, demonstrating both defensive solidity and attacking efficiency.
The importance of the event in Morocco 2025
All eyes of football fans in Africa and around the world are on the Moroccan stadiums to watch this African classic. A large crowd is expected for the match, given the immense popularity of both teams, their proximity, and the presence of world-class stars on both sides, including Franck Kessié and Mohamed Salah, making the winner of this encounter a strong contender to lift the continental trophy.
