Record seven-time champions Egypt produced a commanding yet tense performance to edge out defending champions Ivory Coast 3-2 in a pulsating quarter-final thriller at the Stade Adrar on Saturday, securing their place in the last four of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025.
The Pharaohs, led by talisman Mohamed Salah, struck early and often controlled the contest, but the resilient Elephants mounted a late fightback that kept the 20,000-strong crowd on edge until the final whistle.
Early dominance by the Pharaohs
Omar Marmoush gave Egypt the perfect start after just four minutes, pouncing on a defensive error from Odilon Kossounou to slot home calmly and silence the orange-clad Ivorian supporters.
The North Africans doubled their lead on 32 minutes when Salah delivered a precise corner, met by centre-back Ramy Rabia, who powered a looping header beyond goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.
Ivory Coast fight back before the break
Ivory Coast, under coach Emerse Faé, refused to wilt. A moment before half-time, Yan Diomande’s free-kick was inadvertently turned into his own net by Egyptian defender Ahmed Fatouh, halving the deficit and injecting fresh hope into the holders.
Salah, ever the difference-maker, restored Egypt’s two-goal cushion early in the second half. Emam Ashour’s low ball across the box found the Liverpool star, who tucked it away from close range to make it 3-1.
Late drama keeps crowd on edge
The Elephants responded with characteristic tenacity. On 73 minutes, a goalmouth scramble from a corner saw substitute Jean-Philippe Krasso head towards goal, Ibrahim Sangaré nod it on, and right-back Guela Doué brilliantly backheel the rebound past Mohamed El Shenawy for 3-2.
Despite a late onslaught — including several blocks and a stunning save from El Shenawy — Egypt held firm, denying the 2023 champions a fairytale comeback.
The victory keeps alive Salah’s pursuit of a maiden Afcon title with his country, after coming agonisingly close in past editions, including the 2021 final loss to Senegal. His goal and assist in this match underlined his enduring influence at 33.
Egypt now advance to a high-stakes semi-final against 2021 champions Senegal in Tangier on Wednesday at 17.00 GMT — a rematch of that Dakar decider.
The other semi-final sees hosts Morocco face Nigeria in Rabat at 20.00 GMT.
The third-place play-off is scheduled for Saturday 17 January in Casablanca, with the final on Sunday 18 January at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
For Ivory Coast, the dream of back-to-back titles ends in heartbreak, but their fighting spirit in Morocco will linger long after the tournament concludes.
