Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush delivered decisive performances as Egypt defeated Ivory Coast 3-2, knocking the defending champions out of the Africa Cup of Nations and securing a place in the semi-finals.
The Pharaohs struck early and late in a thrilling encounter, with Marmoush opening the scoring, Ramy Rabia adding a second, and Salah sealing the victory after the break. The result sets up a highly anticipated last-four clash between Egypt and Senegal.
Egypt wasted no time asserting control in Agadir, racing into the lead inside four minutes when Marmoush capitalised on a costly midfield error and finished clinically. The early breakthrough set the tempo for a high-intensity opening, although Ivory Coast responded with intent, with Amad Diallo later seeing a close-range effort blocked.
The Pharaohs doubled their advantage on 32 minutes, when Salah’s corner delivery found Rabia, who powered a header home from close range to put Hossam Hassan’s side firmly in command.
Ivory Coast pulled one back just before half-time after Ousmane Diomande’s dangerous delivery into the box caused confusion, resulting in Ahmed Abou El Fotouh inadvertently turning the ball into his own net.
Egypt restored their two-goal cushion shortly after the restart. Rabia initiated the move with a sweeping pass before Emam Ashour’s low cross was calmly finished by Salah, who made no mistake in front of goal.
Once again, Ivory Coast showed resilience, reducing the deficit to 3-2 when Guela Doue reacted quickest to flick the ball home following a corner scramble. Despite sustained late pressure from the Elephants, Egypt held firm and denied their opponents a third goal to force extra time.
The victory moves Egypt within two games of a record-extending eighth AFCON title, while ending Ivory Coast’s reign as continental champions.
