AGADIR, Morocco: Mohamed Salah delivered a masterclass as Egypt battled past defending champions Ivory Coast 3-2 in a heart-stopping Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final on Saturday, sending the Elephants crashing out of the tournament.
Omar Marmoush opened the scoring within the first three minutes, exploiting a defensive slip from Odilon Kossounou, before Ramy Rabia soared to head home a perfectly placed Salah corner, doubling Egypt’s advantage. Ivory Coast briefly reignited hope when Ahmed Aboul-Fetouh deflected a Yan Diomande free-kick into his own net just before halftime.
Salah, unflinching under pressure, struck early in the second half to restore Egypt’s two-goal buffer. Though Guela Doue pulled one back for the holders late in the game, the Pharaohs’ defense held firm to secure the victory.
The win sets up a mouth-watering semi-final clash against Senegal on Wednesday in Tangiers. The winner will face either hosts Morocco or Nigeria in the final, promising a thrilling showdown for the continental crown.
“I’m thrilled with this result and reaching the semis,” Salah said. “Wearing the Egyptian jersey is a huge honor, and every player knows the responsibility that comes with it.”
Coach Hossam Hassan praised his squad’s grit and discipline, calling them “true Egyptians who fight for the pride of their nation.” He added, “Our forwards press relentlessly, midfielders create the chances, and the backline executes when it matters. The victory belongs to the team.”
This triumph reinforced Egypt’s historical dominance over Ivory Coast in AFCON battles. In 56 years of encounters, the Pharaohs have won 11 times, compared to a solitary triumph for the Elephants.
Ivory Coast also became the eighth consecutive defending champion to fail to retain the title a streak Egypt themselves began in 2010.
For Salah, who has amassed Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League, and Club World Cup titles with Liverpool, an AFCON medal remains the missing jewel in his glittering career.
Having finished runner-up twice against Cameroon in 2017 and Senegal in 2022 he is now just two victories away from realizing a lifelong dream of lifting the continental trophy for Egypt for a record-extending eighth time.
Despite off-field uncertainty surrounding his Liverpool future following a benching at Leeds, Salah has been clinical in Morocco, delivering decisive strikes against Zimbabwe, South Africa, Benin, and now Ivory Coast.
Egypt ignited the game from the first whistle. Marmoush’s lightning-fast break exposed the Ivory Coast defense, converting Ashour’s precise pass to hand Egypt an early lead. Rabia’s aerial dominance from a corner soon doubled the advantage, putting the holders on the back foot.
Ivory Coast briefly clawed back with Aboul-Fetouh’s own goal, but Salah’s second-half strike reasserted Pharaoh control. Ashour’s crafty delivery allowed Salah to finish under pressure, showing the forward’s predatory instinct in the box.
Doue’s late flick from a corner set up a nervy finish, but Egypt’s defense held strong to book a place in the semi-finals.
With this thrilling victory, Salah and the Pharaohs are one step closer to AFCON glory, showcasing skill, composure, and relentless determination on Africa’s grandest stage.
