Egypt s Mohamed Salah, left, is challenged by Sudan s Mustapha Abdelgader Karshoum, middle, and Mazin Mohamedein during the African Cup of Nations 2022 group D soccer match between Egypt and Sudan at the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. AP
The Pharaohs can boast of a proud Nations Cup record against Cote d'Ivoire, whom they overcame en route to three out of their last four triumphs.
In 1998, Egypt defeated the Elephants on penalties following a 0-0 draw in the quarters before they met twice in the 2006 edition.
Egypt won their group-stage clash against Cote d'Ivoire 3-1 in Cairo before beating them again in the final, also on penalties, following a goalless draw.
They also met in the semis of the 2008 edition, with a star-studded Ivorian side led by prolific striker Didier Drogba overwhelming favourites at the time to take revenge.
However, Egypt keeper Essam El-Hadary, now the team's goalkeeping coach, pulled off a string of impressive saves and his team proved clinical on breakaways to claim a memorable 4-1 victory.
Egypt coach Carlos Queiroz is not getting carried away though as he believes his team should do the talking on the pitch if they are to continue their bid towards a record-extending eighth Nations Cup crown.
"Stats are important, and they highly regarded by the press, but the players are the ones who will play tomorrow," the Portuguese told the pre-match news conference.
"We have to write our history; our past won't help us. The players are completely focused on the present and that is what matters to us."
Cote d'Ivoire take on Egypt on the back of an impressive run, having suffered only one loss in their last 15 matches, winning 10 times and drawing four.
They also concluded their Nations Cup group-stage campaign with a superb 3-1 win over Algeria last week to send the reigning champions packing.
"The game will be a tactical one … and we have a plan to stop the danger our opponent poses," Cote d'Ivoire coach Patrice Beaumelle said.
Egypt, who produced some stuttering displays in the group stage, are boosted by the return of key left-back Ahmed Fattouh, who has been out of action since picking up an injury in the opening 1-0 loss to Nigeria.
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