Africa Cup Of Nations | Saturday January 10 | QF 4
- Egypt 3-2 Côte d’Ivoire
Egypt once again showed why they are Africa’s most decorated side, edging defending champions Côte d’Ivoire 3–2 in a compelling quarter-final to book their place in the semi-finals.
Under the lights at the Grande Stade d’Agadir, the Pharaohs struck early and trusted their experience to see them through, even as Ivory Coast enjoyed more of the ball and piled on late pressure.
It was a familiar story, Egypt clinical and composed, the Ivorians powerful but ultimately short.
Omar Marmoush set the tone just four minutes in. After Hamdi Fathy won the ball in midfield, Emam Ashour released Marmoush, who brushed off Odilon Kossounou and finished calmly for a perfect start.
Ivory Coast responded by dominating possession, but clear chances were rare. Instead, Egypt struck again.
In the 32nd minute, Rami Rabia climbed highest at a corner to head home, doubling the lead despite the Elephants controlling much of the play.
The defending champions were given hope just before the break when a Yann Diomande free-kick deflected off Kossounou and then Ahmed Fatouh into the net, cutting the deficit to 2–1 at half-time.
That hope didn’t last long. Seven minutes after the restart, Rabia picked out Ashour with a long ball, and the midfielder’s clever outside of the boot pass sent Mohamed Salah through.
The captain made no mistake, finishing coolly to restore Egypt’s two-goal advantage.
Ivory Coast refused to fold. Their physical pressure told in the 73rd minute when Guela Doué stabbed home from close range after a crowded corner to make it 3–2.
The final minutes were tense, with the Elephants throwing everything forward. Egypt, however, defended with discipline and nerve, closing ranks and seeing out the storm.
At the final whistle, it was Egypt who advanced. Their efficiency, organisation and big-game mentality ended Ivory Coast’s title defence and completed the semi-final line-up, setting up a tantalising clash with Senegal next Thursday.
Earlier, an impressive Nigeria side made a statement at AFCON 2025 on Saturday evening, defeating Algeria 2–0 to set up a semi-final showdown with hosts Morocco.
Super Eagles face Morocco test on Thursday in Rabat.
