Mohamed Salah scored his third goal of the tournament as Egypt edged out defending champions Ivory Coast 3-2 to reach the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
In a pulsating encounter in Casablanca, the record seven-time winners survived a spirited fightback from the Elephants to set up a massive semi-final showdown against Senegal.
Pharaohs fly out of the blocks
Egypt took control of the tie almost immediately when Omar Marmoush found the bottom corner after just four minutes. The North Africans doubled their advantage on the half-hour mark when veteran defender Ramy Rabia rose highest to power home a header.
However, the holders refused to surrender their crown without a fight. Shortly before the interval, Ivory Coast were handed a lifeline when an Ahmed Fatouh own goal reduced the deficit.
Match Timeline
- 4′ GOAL: Marmoush gives Egypt the perfect start.
- 32′ GOAL: Rabia doubles the lead with a powerful header.
- 43′ OWN GOAL: Fatouh inadvertently turns into his own net.
- 51′ GOAL: Salah restores the two-goal cushion.
- 73′ GOAL: Doue scores an audacious backheel to set up a tense finish.
Salah the difference maker
Any hopes of an Ivorian comeback were dampened early in the second half. Mohamed Salah, chasing his first ever AFCON title, showed his clinical edge by restoring the two-goal lead with a composed finish just six minutes after the restart.
Emerse Fae’s side, famous for their dramatic escape acts in the previous edition, set up a grandstand finish when Guela Doue scored with a brilliant instinctive backheel. Despite late pressure, the Egyptian defense held firm to end the holders’ reign.
Final rematch looms
The victory keeps Salah’s dream of continental glory alive, but a familiar foe stands in his way.
Egypt now travel to Tangier on Wednesday (17:00 GMT) to face Senegal—a repeat of the 2021 final—for a place in the showpiece event.
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