Egypt produced a masterclass in efficiency to dethrone defending champions Ivory Coast, sealing a pulsating 3-2 victory in the quarterfinals of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations and booking their place in the semifinals.
Inspired by a commanding display from Mohamed Salah, who both scored and assisted, the Pharaohs absorbed relentless pressure before striking decisively at key moments to outlast the Elephants in a high-intensity encounter.
Egypt made a dream start, taking the lead in just the 4th minute when Omar Marmoush latched onto an incisive pass from Emam Ashour and calmly slotted past the Ivorian goalkeeper. The early goal sparked Ivory Coast into action, as they dominated possession and pushed Egypt deep into their own half.
Wave after wave of Ivorian attacks followed, with Diallo, Diomandé and Guessand testing Egypt’s defensive resolve. However, goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy stood firm, producing a series of crucial interventions.
Against the run of play, Egypt struck again in the 32nd minute. Rising highest from a Salah corner, Ramy Rabia powered a header into the net to double the lead and stun the holders. Ivory Coast finally found a breakthrough just before halftime when pressure forced Ayman Ashraf Fatouh into an unfortunate own goal, reducing the deficit to 2-1 at the break.
The second half began much like the first, with Ivory Coast pressing aggressively. But once again, Egypt delivered the telling blow. In the 52nd minute, Mohamed Salah finished clinically from close range after being teed up by Ashour, registering his fourth goal of the tournament to restore Egypt’s two-goal cushion.
Ivory Coast refused to surrender their crown without a fight. Their persistence paid off in the 73rd minute when Guéla Doué bundled the ball home during a goalmouth scramble to make it 3-2, setting up a nervy finish.
The closing stages were defined by sustained Ivorian pressure, with crosses and corners flooding the Egyptian penalty area. Yet Egypt’s defence, marshalled superbly by El Shenawy, held their shape and composure to withstand the late onslaught.
Brutally efficient and tactically disciplined, Egypt once again underlined their pedigree on the continental stage. The record AFCON champions now march into the semifinals, where they will face Senegal in Tangier, while the other last-four clash will see Morocco take on Nigeria in Rabat.
Source: AFCON
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