Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessié voiced confidence regarding his side’s chances against Egypt, insisting that their previous defeat to the Pharaohs will have no bearing on the outcome of their upcoming match.
Egypt will face the reigning champions Ivory Coast on Saturday in the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations, currently underway in Morocco.
Ahead of the crucial clash, Al Ahli Jeddah’s Kessié acknowledged the strength of the Egyptian team, which eliminated Ivory Coast in the 2021 edition. However, he emphasized that the past has no impact on the present.
"We have a competent staff that will guide us in the right direction, and we won't be rattled just because an opponent eliminated us two editions ago, in the round of 16, on penalties," Kessié told Ivorian media.
The Elephants, in fact, have a poor record against Egypt in continental competition, with just one win from 11 encounters, while the Pharaohs have won 10.
The former AC Milan midfielder confirmed that the upcoming match will not be easy for his team but stressed that this applies to all games in the final phase, which features the continent’s top eight teams.
"It will be a battle between the defending champions and the most successful team in Africa, so it will be a great matchup. Either way, there’s nowhere to hide. From the round of 16 and the quarterfinals, only the top teams remain. Every match will be tough," Kessié concluded.
In the round of 16, Ivory Coast cruised to a 3-0 win over Burkina Faso, while the Pharaohs secured their place in the quarters with a 3-1 victory over Benin after extra time.