Egypt booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a thrilling 3–2 win over defending champions Ivory Coast in their quarter-final match in Agadir on Saturday.
The Pharaohs looked in full control after taking a two-goal lead, but Ivory Coast fought back to turn the contest into a tense and exciting battle, especially in the second half. Despite late pressure from the Elephants, Egypt held on to secure a famous victory.
Ivory Coast suffered an early setback as Egypt opened the scoring in the fourth minute. Hamdy Fathy won the ball in midfield and Emam Ashour quickly played a through pass into space. Omar Marmoush timed his run well, beat his marker and calmly finished into the bottom corner.
Egypt doubled their lead in the 32nd minute from a corner kick. Mohamed Salah delivered the cross, and Ramy Rabia rose highest at the back post to head the ball across goal and into the net.
Ivory Coast pulled one back just before half-time. From a free-kick on the left, Diomande sent in a dangerous ball which Odilon Kossounou flicked on. The ball then struck El Fotouh and bounced into the net, making it 2–1 at the break.
Soon after the restart, Egypt restored their two-goal cushion through Salah. A swift counter-attack saw Ramy Rabia send a long ball forward to Ashour, who controlled well and produced an excellent pass across the box. Salah finished neatly into the bottom-left corner to make it 3–1.
Ivory Coast refused to give up and reduced the deficit again in the 73rd minute. A corner was headed back into the danger area by substitute Jean-Philippe Krasso, and Guela Doué reacted quickest to flick the ball into the net.
The defending champions pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Egypt’s defence stood firm. The win sends the Pharaohs into the semi-finals, where they will face Senegal on Wednesday, January 14.
