Egypt Knocks Out Ivory Coast: A Thrilling Path to the AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals

The AFCON 2025 quarter-finals delivered one of the most intense matches in recent history as Egypt faced off against the defending champions, Ivory Coast. In a high-stakes encounter at the Stade Adrar in Agadir, the Pharaohs proved why they are the most successful team in the competition’s history. By securing a dramatic 3-2 victory, Egypt has officially dethroned the holders and marched into the semi-finals, keeping Mohamed Salah’s dream of continental glory alive.

A Lightning Start for the Pharaohs

The match began with explosive energy, and it didn’t take long for Egypt to make their mark on AFCON 2025. Just four minutes into the game, Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush capitalized on a defensive error from the Ivorians. After receiving a clinical pass from Emam Ashour, Marmoush showed great composure to slot the ball past goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.

This early goal set the tone for the first half, putting the defending champions on the back foot immediately. Ivory Coast attempted to regain control through possession and pressure, but the Egyptian backline remained disciplined and resilient against the “Elephants” early charges.

Doubling the Lead: Egypt’s Set-Piece Success

As the game progressed, Egypt continued to look dangerous on the break and during set-pieces. In the 32nd minute, the Pharaohs doubled their advantage. Mohamed Salah, ever-present in Egypt’s attacking buildup, delivered a perfectly weighted corner. Center-back Ramy Rabia rose highest at the far post, sending a looping header into the back of the net.

At 2-0, it looked as though Egypt might cruise to victory. However, the Ivory Coast side, known for their “never say die” attitude throughout AFCON 2025, refused to go down without a fight. Just before the halftime whistle, a whipped free-kick from Yan Diomande caused chaos in the Egyptian box, leading to an unfortunate own goal by Ahmed Aboul-Fetouh. The deficit was halved, and the momentum shifted as the teams headed into the tunnels.

The Salah Factor and a Tense Finish

The second half started with renewed vigor. Only seven minutes after the restart, Mohamed Salah restored Egypt’s two-goal cushion. A brilliant team move involving Rabia and Ashour ended with a pinpoint cross that Salah calmly poked home, marking his fourth goal of the AFCON 2025 tournament.

The closing stages were nothing short of a “red fortress” defense by Egypt. Ivory Coast threw everything forward, eventually scoring again in the 73rd minute through Guela Doue. Despite a relentless siege on the Egyptian goal in the final minutes, the record-seven-time winners held firm. The victory ensures that Egypt will now face Senegal in a highly anticipated semi-final clash on Wednesday in Tangiers.

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