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Former Ivory Coast defender, Kolo Toure, spoke about his nation’s upcoming clash against Egypt in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Pharaohs qualified for the 2021 AFCON round of 16, where they will be up against Ivory Coast, after finishing as Group D runner-ups.
READ: Ahmed Fatouh fully-fit ahead of Ivory Coast clash – Report
Egypt will face an inform Ivory Coast team, who finished top of their group with seven points, beating reining champions Algeria 3-1.
The Elephants were overall more convincing than their upcoming opponent in the group stages, but Kolo Toure says they shouldn’t rule Egypt out just yet.
“Nigeria is the team that impressed me the most in the group stage, then Ivory Coast,” Toure told Mehwar TV.
“The Africa Cup of Nations is a very difficult tournament and the competition in it is at the highest level, in order to win you must give everything, fight and be smart tactically.
“The Egypt national team has always had phenomenal players with a strong coach, and they played with a a lot of spirit, and this is what distinguishes them the most.
“What distinguishes the current generation of the Egyptian national team is how disciplined the team is, led by a strong coach.
“Of course, Salah is the most dangerous player for Egypt and then there is Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet, a dangerous player that Ivory Coast must be careful around. Wednesday’s match will be very difficult for us,” he added.
After it was certain that Egypt would face Ivory Coast in the round of 16, retired Egyptian striker Amr Zaki posted a picture on his Facebook page of himself dribbling past a falling Kolo Toure, during a match between Egypt and Ivory Coast. He accompanied the post with the caption “I am ready”.
Toure didn’t appreciate the post, saying that it’s a sign of disrespect and that he could never do a similar thing.
“I’m sad about the post Amr Zaki published, and this for me is a sign of disrespect. I outplayed great players, never insulted anyone. It’s something I can’t do,” he explained.
Zaki faced Toure six times in his career, four times on the international level and twice in the Premier League, when he plied his trade for Wigan Athletic and Hull City.
The former Zamalek striker won on three occasions and lost the other three, scoring two goals against the two-time Premier League champion.
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