Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has shone a spotlight on a compelling personal storyline ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal clash between Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire, highlighting the long-awaited reunion between two former stars now facing each other from the touchline.
Egypt’s head coach Hossam Hassan and Côte d’Ivoire’s manager Emerse Faé are set to meet in a high-stakes knockout encounter, reviving a rivalry that dates back nearly two decades to their playing days. CAF’s official account on the X platform marked the occasion by sharing a pair of images: one from their time as opponents on the pitch and another showing them today in their roles as national team coaches.
Accompanying the images, CAF wrote: “After 20 years, football brings its legends together again… Hossam Hassan faces Emerse Faé, and we eagerly await this showdown.” The post quickly gained traction among fans, reflecting the nostalgia and intrigue surrounding the matchup.
Both men are considered icons in their respective footballing histories. Hossam Hassan remains one of Africa’s most prolific strikers and a symbol of Egyptian football, while Faé was a key figure in Côte d’Ivoire’s golden generation, known for its physicality and technical quality. Their transition from influential players to national team leaders adds a deeper narrative to what is already one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures.
The quarterfinal, scheduled for Saturday, brings together two of Africa’s most successful football nations. Egypt advanced to the last eight after overcoming Benin, continuing their pursuit of extending their record tally of continental titles. Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, secured their place with a hard-fought victory over Burkina Faso, underlining their credentials as strong contenders.
Beyond tactics and form, the match carries symbolic weight, representing the passage of time and the enduring nature of football rivalries. For CAF, the duel between Hassan and Faé encapsulates the spirit of the Africa Cup of Nations, where history, legacy, and the present moment intersect on the continent’s biggest stage.
As anticipation builds, fans across Africa and beyond will be watching not only for the result, but also for how two former rivals now shape the contest from the sidelines, each seeking to guide his nation one step closer to continental glory.
