Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt captain Mohamed Salah has vowed that the national team will deliver its strongest possible performance when it faces Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as the Pharaohs continue their pursuit of continental glory in Morocco.
Speaking to the official website of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Liverpool forward stressed that representing Egypt on such a stage carries a special responsibility. He said the squad is fully focused on honoring the national colors and meeting the expectations of millions of supporters.
“We are looking to give our best performance against Ivory Coast for the sake of Egypt’s name,” Salah said, reflecting the determination within the camp ahead of one of the tournament’s most anticipated knockout matches.
Salah underlined that motivation levels among the players remain high, noting that the entire squad is united by a shared ambition to progress as far as possible in the competition. According to the captain, commitment and effort have been defining features of Egypt’s campaign so far, particularly as the tournament has entered its decisive stages.
“All the players have a strong desire and great enthusiasm to give everything they have in order to reach the furthest point in the tournament,” he added. “What stands out most about this team is the determination and fighting spirit shown by every player, and that is exactly what we will rely on in the match against Ivory Coast.”
Egypt booked their place in the quarter-finals with an impressive 3–1 victory over Benin in the round of 16, a result that restored confidence after a demanding group stage. The performance highlighted Egypt’s attacking depth and growing tactical cohesion under head coach Hossam Hassan.
The upcoming clash with Ivory Coast represents a significant test, given the Ivorian side’s physical strength, technical quality, and history in African football. Meetings between the two nations have often been tightly contested, adding further weight to the encounter.
For Salah, the match also carries personal significance as he continues to lead a new generation of Egyptian players on the continental stage. With Egypt seeking to add to its record haul of Africa Cup of Nations titles, the captain’s leadership and experience will be central to their hopes of advancing beyond the quarter-finals.
As kickoff approaches, Egypt enter the match buoyed by confidence, unity, and a clear message from their captain: effort, belief, and national pride will define their approach against one of Africa’s toughest opponents.
