Ivory Coast vs Egypt Predictions

• Ivory Coast hammered pre-tournament favourites Algeria last time out, topping Group E.
• Egypt needed one goal wins over Sudan and Guinea-Bissau to escape Group D.
• Only hosts Cameroon scored more group stage goals than the six netted by the Ivory Coast.

Elephants emerge as AFCON contenders

Despite boasting a squad packed with names familiar to European viewers, the Ivory Coast did not begin this delayed Africa Cup of Nations amongst the outright tournament favourites. That may be beginning to change, however, after a crushing 3-1 victory over Algeria saw the Ivorians top Group E and sent the pre-tournament favourites home.

Only hosts Cameroon outscored Sebastien Haller and co. in the group stages, while no team at the tournament is currently averaging more shots on target per game than the Ivory Coast. Taking into account Africa’s World Cup qualifying groups, which took place throughout 2021, Ivory Coast have now won six of their last eight games, scoring two or more goals in each of those successes.

If the Ivorians are to make the last eight they will have to overcome the most successful team in African history, seven-time winners Egypt. The Pharaohs have struggled for a creative spark in this tournament, however, needing narrow 1-0 wins over Sudan and Guinea-Bissau to even qualify from their group, having lost to a Nigeria team which was promptly eliminated at the next stage.

Ivory Coast can overcome below-par Egyptians

Egypt endured a flat group stage campaign, with Mo Salah finding the net just once after struggling with a lack of service. Indeed, only two of the 16 teams to qualify from the groups have averaged a greater share of possession than Egypt at this tournament, but nine have taken more shots per game and eight have managed more shots on target per 90, demonstrating Egypt’s attacking problems.

With Egypt struggling to break down lesser opponents in the tournament’s opening stages, we’re backing an impressive-looking Ivory Coast team to win the match and seal a place in the quarter-finals.

Six of Egypt’s last nine games have now contained under 2.5 goals, so a 1-0 win for the Ivory Coast could represent a decent correct score prediction.

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