AFCON 2025: Egypt sink Ivory Coast to set up Salah vs Mane semifinal

Egypt ended Ivory Coast’s Africa Cup of Nations title defence with a pulsating 3-2 victory in Agadir on Saturday night, booking a blockbuster semi-final showdown against Senegal and reigniting their quest for a record-extending eighth continental crown.

The quarter-final clash at the Adrar Stadium had everything: early drama, defensive lapses, moments of brilliance, and a tense finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Egypt’s Lightning Start

The Pharaohs wasted no time asserting themselves, breaking the deadlock in just the 4th minute. Omar Marmoush showcased his pace and composure, racing onto Emam Ashour’s incisive through ball before drilling a low shot past Yahia Fofana.

Ivory Coast responded with urgency, pressing high and creating chances. Amad Diallo came close in the 17th minute, but his effort was heroically blocked by Rami Rabia and Ahmed Fatouh. The Elephants continued to threaten, yet Egypt struck again on 32 minutes when Mohamed Salah’s corner was met by Rabia, whose looping header nestled into the net for 2-0.

Elephants Fight Back

The defending champions refused to roll over. Their persistence paid off in the 40th minute when Odilon Kossounou flicked on a free kick, forcing Fatouh into an unfortunate own goal that gave Ivory Coast hope heading into the break.

Salah Delivers Again

Egypt restored their two-goal cushion early in the second half. Emam Ashour, influential throughout, produced a sublime outside-of-the-foot cross that Salah converted from close range in the 52nd minute, making it 3-1 and seemingly putting the game to bed.

But the Elephants roared back once more. Substitute Jean-Philippe Krasso caused chaos from a corner, and Guela Doue pounced to score in the 73rd minute, setting up a nervy finale. Ivory Coast threw everything forward, but Egypt’s defence held firm under intense pressure.