Mohamed Salah was on target as Egypt knocked out defending champions Ivory Coast to reach the semifinals of the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, securing a hard-fought 3–2 win on Saturday.
The Liverpool star struck his fourth goal of the tournament early in the second half, restoring Egypt’s two-goal advantage after Ivory Coast threatened a comeback.
Despite intense late pressure from the Ivorians, the Pharaohs held firm in Agadir to seal a last-four clash with 2021 champions Senegal in Tangier on Wednesday.
Ivory Coast endured a nightmare opening, with Franck Kessie losing possession in midfield and Odilon Kossounou slipping at the crucial moment, allowing Emam Ashour to find Omar Marmoush, who fired Egypt ahead inside four minutes.
Centre-back Ramy Rabia was pivotal at both ends, first producing a vital block to protect the lead before doubling Egypt’s advantage with a towering header from a corner in the 32nd minute.
The Elephants reduced the deficit shortly before halftime when Ahmed Abou El Fotouh inadvertently diverted Yan Diomande’s dangerous free kick into his own net after Kossounou’s flick-on.
Egypt regained control moments after the restart as Rabia launched a precise long pass that Ashour cleverly teed up for Salah, who finished with authority to make it 3–1.
Ivory Coast refused to relent and Guela Doue struck with his heel in a crowded penalty area in the 73rd minute after Mohamed El-Shenawy parried an initial effort.
However, despite sustained pressure, the equaliser proved elusive.
Egypt continue their pursuit of a record-extending eighth AFCON crown.
Earlier in the day, three-time champions Nigeria defeated Algeria 2–0 to book a semifinal showdown with Morocco.
The Super Eagles, runners-up to Ivory Coast at the last edition, are chasing their first continental title since 2013, a triumph that would help ease the pain of missing out on World Cup qualification.
