AFCON 2025: Egypt edge Ivory Coast, set up Senegal semifinal

Egypt booked their place in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 3-2 win over defending champions Ivory Coast in an entertaining quarterfinal clash in Agadir on Saturday.

The Pharaohs raced into a two-goal lead and, despite sustained pressure and a late fightback from Ivory Coast, showed composure to see out the contest and end the champions’ title defence.

Fast start gives Egypt early control

Ivory Coast suffered an early setback as Egypt struck in the fourth minute. Hamdy Fathy won possession in midfield and released Emam Ashour, whose incisive through ball found Omar Marmoush.

The forward broke in behind the defence and calmly finished into the bottom-right corner.

Egypt doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute from a corner. Mohamed Salah’s delivery was met by Ramy Rabia at the back post, and the defender headed the ball back across goal and into the net to put Egypt firmly in control.

Ivory Coast respond before the break

The Elephants reduced the deficit just before half-time through a set piece. Diomande delivered a dangerous free-kick from the left, Odilon Kossounou flicked it on, and the ball ricocheted off Ahmed El Fotouh before crossing the line to make it 2-1 at the interval.

Salah leads second-half charge

Egypt restored their two-goal cushion shortly after the restart with a quick counter-attack.

Rabia played a long ball forward to Ashour, who produced a precise trivela pass across the box for Salah. The captain finished confidently into the bottom-left corner to make it 3-1.

Ivory Coast continued to push and pulled another goal back in the 73rd minute. A corner caused chaos in the Egyptian box, substitute Krasso headed the ball back into danger, and Guela Doué eventually bundled it home to set up a tense finale.

Despite late pressure, Egypt defended resolutely to preserve their lead and secure progression.

The result eliminates the defending champions and sends Egypt into a semifinal showdown against Senegal on Wednesday, January 14.