AFCON 2021: Ivory Coast will be toughest test for Queiroz’s Egypt

The final day of the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 is here, and it will end with a bang. 

Ivory Coast and Egypt will take to the field in a clash of the titans to decide who will meet Morocco in the quarterfinals, while Mali and Equatorial Guinea will lock horns for the right to play Senegal in the next round.

Important note: These predictions are only suggestions, and BabaGol is not responsible for the consequences. The use of these suggestions is the responsibility of the reader and user themselves.

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Ivory Coast v Egypt, 17:00 CET, Japoma Stadium, Douala

The biggest test for Carlos Queiroz as an Egypt manager so far. The Ivory Coast are among the strongest teams in this tournament, and what they did to Algeria sent a message to the leading teams in the competition. Egypt will need to be at their best defensively, and to try and push forward through Mo Salah or Mostafa Mohammed when they get the chance. 

BabaGol’s prediction: It will be a tough evening for Egyptian football. Ivory Coast to win. 

Mali v Equatorial Guinea, 20:00 CET, Limbe Stadium, Limbe

Mali are traditionally branded as AFCON’s ‘dark horses’, but making it to the quarterfinals is something pretty usual for them. Equatorial Guinea shocked Algeria and will hope to dazzle Mali as well with a combative display.

BabaGol’s prediction: Mali to win.