Mohamed Salah delivered a commanding performance as Egypt knocked out defending champions Côte d’Ivoire with a thrilling 3-2 victory in the quarter finals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 at the Grand Stade d’Agadir on Saturday.
Egypt made a dream start, taking the lead inside four minutes after a sloppy moment in the Ivorian midfield. Franck Kessie hesitated on a loose pass and Hamdy Fathy pounced, setting up Emam Ashour who slid the ball through for Omar Marmoush. The forward took a steadying touch and curled a composed finish into the bottom corner to put the Pharaohs ahead.
Côte d’Ivoire struggled to settle and were punished again midway through the first half. A poorly judged defensive header from Guela Doue conceded an unnecessary corner, and Salah made it count with a pinpoint delivery to the back post. Ramy Rabia rose above the defence and headed back across goal into the corner, doubling Egypt’s advantage.
The holders responded before the break to keep the contest alive. A free kick on the left, won by teenager Yan Diomande after being fouled by Emam Ashour, was expertly delivered into the danger area. Odilon Kossounou flicked it on and the ball struck Karim El Fotouh on its way into the net, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
Egypt restored their two goal cushion early in the second half with a sweeping counter attack. Ramy Rabia picked out Emam Ashour from deep and the midfielder released a brilliant outside of the foot pass across the box. Mohamed Salah arrived at the back post, muscling past his marker before guiding the ball into the bottom corner to make it 3-1 and send the Egyptian supporters into celebration.
Côte d’Ivoire refused to surrender and pulled another goal back in the 73rd minute. Ibrahim Sangare helped the ball on at the far post, the goalkeeper made an initial save, but Guela Doue reacted quickest to force the ball home and set up a tense final spell.
The closing minutes saw Egypt retreat to defend their lead as the defending champions pressed relentlessly for an equaliser. However, the Pharaohs held firm under pressure to see out the victory and bring an end to Côte d’Ivoire’s title defence.
The win sends Egypt into the semi finals where they will face Senegal on Wednesday January 14, 2025. It was another chapter in one of the most storied rivalries in AFCON history, with Egypt once again proving their pedigree on the continental stage as they continue their pursuit of a first title since 2010.
