AFCON 2025: Egypt Knock Out Defending Champions Ivory Coast to Reach Semi-finals

Egypt booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a thrilling 3–2 win over defending champions Ivory Coast in their quarter-final match in Agadir on Saturday.

The Pharaohs looked in full control after racing into a two-goal lead, but Ivory Coast fought back to turn the game into a tense contest. Egypt, however, showed experience and composure to see out the victory.

Egypt made a perfect start, opening the scoring in the fourth minute. Hamdy Fathy won the ball in midfield and Emam Ashour quickly played a through pass. Omar Marmoush timed his run well and calmly placed his shot into the bottom corner to make it 1–0.

Ivory Coast tried to respond but were caught out again in the 32nd minute. Mohamed Salah’s corner was met by Ramy Rabia at the far post, and the defender headed the ball back across goal and into the net to double Egypt’s advantage.

The Elephants pulled one back just before the break. From a free-kick on the left, Odilon Kossounou got a touch at the near post, with the ball deflecting into the goal to make it 2–1 at half-time.

Early in the second half, Egypt restored their two-goal cushion with a well-worked counter-attack. Ramy Rabia started the move with a long pass to Emam Ashour, who delivered a clever pass across the box for Salah to finish calmly and make it 3–1.

Ivory Coast refused to give up and reduced the deficit again in the 73rd minute. A corner caused confusion in the Egypt penalty area, and Guela Doué reacted quickest to flick the ball into the net, setting up a nervous finish.

Despite late pressure from the defending champions, Egypt held firm to secure the win. The result sends the Pharaohs into the semi-finals, where they will face Senegal on Wednesday, January 14.