Former Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue has expressed his excitement ahead of the highly anticipated quarter-final showdown between the Elephants and Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The two African heavyweights are set to face off on Saturday, January 10, with kick-off scheduled for 9 pm Cairo time, as they battle for a place in the semi-finals of the continental showpiece.
Speaking on the Awdet El-Lebs programme on Al-Nahar channel, Eboue acknowledged the scale of the challenge awaiting Ivory Coast, describing Egypt as a formidable opponent.
“Now there will be a big match against a great team, the Egyptian national team, and we are very excited. The Egyptian national team has a great team and very distinguished players. Even in the African Championship, they perform well, and they have a great coach, Hossam Hassan,” he said.
The former Arsenal full-back also singled out Egypt’s head coach for special praise, admitting his admiration for Hossam Hassan and predicting an intense contest.
“I am very impressed with Hossam Hassan, and it will be a tough match with a lot of excitement. There are good players, such as Marmoush, Salah, and others,” he added.
Eboue concluded by stressing the quality on display from both sides, noting that Egypt’s attacking threats could prove decisive.
“It will be a fierce match and we will do our best. Marmoush has shown great skill and he plays skillfully and quickly all over the field, as does Mohamed Salah, and the duo will make a big difference,” he added.
