AFCON 2025: Mohamed Salah's Egypt edge Cote d’Ivoire to reach semi-finals

Egypt booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations after edging Côte d’Ivoire 3–2 in a dramatic and high-intensity quarter-final encounter.

Despite being largely dominated in possession and territory, the Pharaohs once again demonstrated their trademark efficiency and mental strength to overcome the Elephants in a thrilling contest.

Egypt made a dream start, striking as early as the 4th minute. Omar Marmoush set the tone after being played through by Emam Ashour, making a sharp run behind the Ivorian defence before calmly finishing past the goalkeeper.

The early goal gave Egypt confidence, but it was Côte d’Ivoire who soon took control of proceedings.

The Elephants monopolized possession and applied sustained pressure, sending in waves of crosses through Diallo and Diomandé while Guessand attempted to stretch the Egyptian back line.

However, goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and his defence remained resilient.

Against the run of play, Egypt doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute.

Mohamed Salah’s pinpoint corner found Ramy Rabia, who rose highest to head home and make it 2–0, punishing the Ivorians for their missed chances.

Côte d’Ivoire’s persistence was finally rewarded five minutes before halftime when Yan Diomandé’s dangerous delivery forced A.

Fatouh into an unfortunate own goal, reducing the deficit to 2–1 and reigniting the contest.

The second half followed a familiar pattern, with Côte d’Ivoire pressing forward aggressively.

Yet once again, Egypt struck decisively. In the 52nd minute, Mohamed Salah, perfectly set up by Emam Ashour, finished clinically to restore the two-goal cushion and claim his fourth goal of the tournament.

Refusing to surrender, Émerse Faé’s side continued to push. Their efforts paid off in the 73rd minute, when Guéla Doué capitalized on a scramble in the penalty area to pull one back and make it 3–2, setting up a tense finale.

The closing stages saw Côte d’Ivoire lay siege to the Egyptian goal, with a barrage of corners, crosses, and aerial balls flooding the box.

El Shenawy, despite being cautioned for time-wasting, delivered a composed performance as Egypt defended with determination and discipline until the final whistle.

Ultimately, Egypt’s ruthless finishing and experience proved decisive.

Dominated for long spells but brutally effective in front of goal, the Pharaohs eliminated Côte d’Ivoire and marched on to the semi-finals, where they will face Senegal’s Lions of Teranga in Tangier. 

The other semi-final will see Morocco take on Nigeria in Rabat, as the battle for continental glory intensifies.