Egypt produced a stunning performance to defeat defending champions Ivory Coast 3-2 in a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-final at Agadir, Morocco on Saturday. The Pharaohs, led by Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah, ended the Elephants reign as continental champions and booked their place in the semi-finals where they will face Senegal.
The match exploded into life in just the fourth minute when Omar Marmoush capitalized on a costly error from Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessie. The poor touch in midfield allowed Marmoush to pounce quickly and fire past the goalkeeper, giving Egypt a dream start to the encounter. The early goal set the tone for an intense battle between two of Africa's footballing giants.
Egypt doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute through defender Ramy Rabia, who rose highest to meet a corner kick and power a header into the net. Rabia had earlier made a crucial defensive block to preserve Egypt's lead, demonstrating his importance at both ends of the pitch. However, Ivory Coast pulled one back in the 37th minute when Ahmed Abou El Fotouh turned the ball into his own net under pressure, giving the defending champions hope heading into halftime.
The second half saw Mohamed Salah produce a moment of magic in the 52nd minute to restore Egypt's two-goal cushion. Rabia launched a long ball that caught the Ivorian defense completely off guard, and Karim Ashour provided the assist for Salah to finish with clinical precision. The goal demonstrated the telepathic understanding between Egypt's players and Salah's lethal finishing ability.
Ivory Coast refused to surrender and found a lifeline in the 73rd minute through Guela Doue, who scored a spectacular goal with his heel to reduce the deficit to 3-2. The final twenty minutes saw the Elephants throw everything forward in search of an equalizer, creating sustained pressure on the Egyptian defense. The tension in the stadium was palpable as Ivory Coast pushed desperately for a goal that would send the match to extra time.
Egypt's defense held firm under intense pressure, with goalkeeper and defenders making crucial interventions to protect their lead. The Pharaohs showed tremendous discipline and organization to see out the victory against the team that had won the tournament on home soil just one year ago. This result marks a significant achievement for Egyptian football and demonstrates their credentials as serious contenders for the title.
With this victory, Egypt advances to face 2021 champions Senegal in the semi-finals in Tangier on Wednesday. The Pharaohs remain on course for a record-extending eighth AFCON title, which would further cement their status as the most successful nation in the history of African football. For Ivory Coast, their defense of the continental crown ends in disappointment at the quarter-final stage.
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