Egypt defeat Ivory Coast 3–2 to reach AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals
Egypt moved one step closer to a record-extending eighth Africa Cup of Nations title after defeating defending champions Ivory Coast 3–2 in a dramatic quarter-final clash in Agadir on Saturday.
Goals from Omar Marmoush, Ramy Rabia and Mohamed Salah proved decisive as the Pharaohs eliminated the reigning champions in a match filled with attacking quality, defensive errors and late tension.
The result sets up a semi-final meeting with Senegal in Tangiers on Wednesday, with the winner advancing to face either Morocco or Nigeria in the final.
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Egypt made the perfect start, taking the lead just three minutes into the contest. Emam Ashour threaded a precise pass through the Ivorian defence and Marmoush took advantage of a slip from Odilon Kossounou to beat goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.
The early goal unsettled Ivory Coast and Egypt continued to press. Their second arrived on 32 minutes when Ramy Rabia rose highest at the far post to meet a corner from Salah, sending a looping header beyond Fofana.
Ivory Coast respond before the break
Ivory Coast pulled one back five minutes before half-time when Ahmed Aboul-Fetouh accidentally diverted the ball into his own net while trying to deal with a dangerous free-kick delivered by Yan Diomande. The goal gave the defending champions renewed hope heading into the interval.
Salah strikes again
Egypt restored their two-goal advantage seven minutes into the second half, with Salah finishing off another well-worked move. Ashour once again provided the assist, sending in a low cross that the Liverpool forward calmly converted under pressure from Ghislain Konan.
The strike was Salah’s fourth of the tournament, continuing a prolific AFCON campaign that has kept Egypt firmly in the title race.
Late pressure from Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast refused to go quietly and reduced the deficit again in the 73rd minute when Guela Doue flicked in from close range after Egypt failed to clear a corner.
The final stages were tense, but Egypt held on to secure a famous victory over a side they have historically dominated in AFCON competition.
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The result extended Egypt’s strong record against Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations, with the Pharaohs now having won 11 of their meetings. It also means Ivory Coast become the eighth consecutive defending champion to fail to retain the trophy since Egypt last achieved the feat in 2010.
For Salah, the win keeps alive his quest for a first AFCON title after twice finishing runner-up in 2017 and 2021.
With two matches remaining, Egypt are once again within touching distance of African football’s most prestigious prize.
SportsLigue