AFCON 2025: Salah shines as Egypt edge Ivory Coast 3-2 to reach semi-finals

Mohamed Salah scored and provided an assist as Egypt beat defending champions Ivory Coast 3-2 in a thrilling quarter-final clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco on Saturday night.

Playing at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir, the Pharaohs made a blistering start, taking the lead after just four minutes when Omar Marmoush slotted home to put Egypt ahead.

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The seven-time African champions were never behind in the contest and doubled their advantage shortly after the half-hour mark, with Ramy Rabia powering in a header to make it 2-0.

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Ivory Coast, coached by Emerse Faé, once again showed its trademark resilience. The Elephants pulled one back before half-time after Ahmed Fatouh diverted the ball into his own net, giving the holders renewed belief.

However, Salah quickly restored Egypt’s two-goal cushion in the second half, underlining his influence on the game and keeping his quest for a first AFCON title firmly alive.

The Ivorians set up a tense finale when Guela Doué produced a clever backheeled finish in the 73rd minute, but Egypt held firm to deny Ivory Coast a dramatic comeback.

The victory sends Egypt into the semi-finals, where they will face Senegal on Wednesday, January 14, at the Tangier Grand Stadium.