Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt extended their unbeaten run at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 with a dramatic 3-2 victory over defending champions Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday night, bringing the Elephants’ reign to an end and setting up a highly anticipated semi-final showdown against Senegal.
Played at Le Grand Stade Agadir, the quarter-final lived up to its billing as one of the tournament’s most entertaining encounters, producing five goals, sustained pressure and late drama. Seven-time champions Egypt showed their experience and resilience to overcome long spells without possession and secure a record 17th appearance in the AFCON semi-finals.
The Pharaohs struck early, catching Côte d’Ivoire off guard just four minutes into the match. Emam Ashour won the ball in midfield and threaded a perfectly weighted pass into the penalty area for Omar Marmoush, who calmly fired a right-footed shot into the bottom corner to give Egypt the lead.
Côte d’Ivoire responded by asserting control over possession, with Manchester United winger Amad Diallo emerging as their main attacking outlet. Despite their territorial dominance, clear chances were limited by Egypt’s disciplined defensive structure and goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy’s assured presence.
Egypt came close to doubling their advantage in the 21st minute when Hossam Abdel-Maguid rose highest from a Mohamed Salah corner, only to see his header sail over the crossbar. Côte d’Ivoire threatened moments later through Evann Guessand, whose header drifted narrowly wide.
The second goal arrived in the 32nd minute and again came from a set piece. Salah delivered an accurate corner and Rami Rabia outjumped the Ivorian defense to head into the bottom-right corner, giving Egypt a 2-0 cushion against the run of play.
Côte d’Ivoire finally found a way back into the contest shortly before halftime. A foul by Ashour led to a dangerous delivery into the box, resulting in an unfortunate own goal by Ahmed Fatouh, cutting Egypt’s lead to 2-1 and restoring belief among the Elephants as the teams headed into the break.
The second half began cautiously, but Egypt struck decisively once more in the 52nd minute. Rabia launched a long pass forward, Ashour slipped a low ball into the area, and Salah finished from close range to restore Egypt’s two-goal advantage. The goal was Salah’s 11th in Africa Cup of Nations history, drawing him level with his coach Hossam Hassan as the tournament’s joint all-time top scorer.
Côte d’Ivoire refused to surrender and continued to press forward. Franck Kessie narrowly missed the target from distance before the Elephants were rewarded in the 73rd minute, when Guela Doue pounced on a loose ball following a corner kick and beat El-Shenawy to make it 3-2.
The final stages saw relentless Ivorian pressure, with Egypt absorbing wave after wave of attacks. Coach Hossam Hassan introduced Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan late on to add fresh legs and defensive cover, and the Pharaohs held firm to see out the contest despite spending much of the closing minutes deep in their own half.
The victory confirmed Egypt’s place in the semi-finals, where they will face Senegal in a rematch of the 2021 AFCON final, which the Teranga Lions won on penalties. Senegal booked their spot earlier with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mali, Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half goal proving decisive in a tense West African derby.
The semi-final line-up for Morocco 2025 was completed after a dramatic quarter-final weekend. Alongside Egypt and Senegal, hosts Morocco and Nigeria also progressed to the last four, ensuring that Africa’s traditional heavyweights remain firmly in contention for the continental crown.
Egypt will now turn their focus to seeking revenge against Senegal and edging one step closer to an unprecedented eighth Africa Cup of Nations title, while Senegal aim to defend their status as champions and extend their dominance on the continental stage.
