Mohamed Salah was on the scoresheet as Egypt edged past defending champions Ivory Coast 3-2 in a pulsating Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final on Saturday, knocking out the holders and moving a step closer to continental glory.
Goals from Omar Marmoush and Ramy Rabia put Egypt firmly in control before Ahmed Aboul-Fetouh turned the ball into his own net shortly before the interval to hand Ivory Coast a lifeline. Salah then struck early in the second half to restore Egypt’s two-goal cushion, but Guela Doue’s late effort ensured a tense finish.
The victory sends Egypt into a semi-final clash with Senegal on Wednesday in Tangiers, with the eventual winners set to face either hosts Morocco or Nigeria in the final four days later.
The win in Agadir underlined Egypt’s historical dominance over Ivory Coast at the AFCON, extending a record that now spans 56 years. Since their first meeting, the Pharaohs have recorded 11 victories, while the Elephants have managed just one.
Ivory Coast’s exit also continued a long-standing trend at the tournament, making them the eighth consecutive champions to fail in a title defence since Egypt last achieved the feat in 2010.
For Salah, the result keeps alive his quest for an elusive Africa Cup of Nations winners’ medal. Despite winning the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League and Club World Cup with Liverpool, continental success with Egypt has so far remained out of reach.
Now aged 33, the forward has twice suffered final heartbreak, losing to Cameroon in 2017 and Senegal five years later, and has also endured early eliminations in previous editions. With Egypt now just two matches from the final, the dream of lifting a record-extending eighth AFCON trophy remains firmly intact.
Salah arrived in Morocco amid uncertainty over his Liverpool future after a public outburst following a draw at Leeds United. The Egyptian, relegated to the bench after a poor run of results, said he had been “thrown under the bus”.
However, he has rediscovered his sharpness at the tournament, scoring decisive goals in the group stage against Zimbabwe and South Africa, before sealing a last-16 win over Benin.
Egypt made a flying start against Ivory Coast, opening the scoring just 182 seconds after kick-off through Marmoush. A mistake in midfield allowed Emam Ashour to release the Manchester City striker, who capitalised on Odilon Kossounou slipping to beat Yahia Fofana.
The lead was doubled after 32 minutes when Rabia rose highest to meet a Salah corner, sending a looping header beyond the goalkeeper. Ivory Coast responded before the break when Aboul-Fetouh inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net following a dangerous free kick.
Seven minutes into the second half, Salah struck again, converting Ashour’s precise low cross despite close pressure. Ivory Coast pulled one back after 73 minutes when Doue finished from close range, but Egypt held firm to book their semi-final place.
What you should know
Egypt are the most successful nation in Africa Cup of Nations history, having won the tournament seven times, and are chasing an unprecedented eighth title at AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
Mohamed Salah remains the face of the national team and one of Africa’s most decorated players at club level, yet international silverware has consistently eluded him. His performances at this tournament have been central to Egypt’s progress, combining leadership with decisive goals.
Ivory Coast’s elimination continues a long-standing AFCON pattern in which defending champions struggle to retain the title, highlighting the tournament’s competitiveness and unpredictability.
