AFCON 2025: Egypt Eliminate Defending Champions Ivory Coast to Set Up Semi-Final Clash With Senegal

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Egypt ended Ivory Coast’s title defence at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a thrilling 3-2 quarter-final victory on Friday, January 10, booking a high-stakes semi-final against Senegal.

The seven-time champions wasted no time asserting themselves, taking the lead in the fourth minute. Omar Marmoush latched onto a precise delivery from Emam Ashour and calmly finished, giving Egypt an early advantage.

Ivory Coast struggled to find their footing as Egypt maintained relentless pressure. The Pharaohs doubled their lead in the 32nd minute when defender Ramy Rabia rose highest to head home a corner delivered by Mohamed Salah.

Just as Egypt looked comfortable, the match took a sudden turn five minutes before halftime. A defensive lapse saw Ahmed Aboul-Fatouh inadvertently deflect the ball into his own net, bringing the Elephants back into contention and boosting their morale heading into the break.

Egypt returned from the interval with renewed focus, and seven minutes into the second half, Salah restored the two-goal cushion with a composed finish following another incisive pass from Ashour.

Ivory Coast refused to go quietly. Pushing numbers forward and dominating possession, they reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute when Guela Doué fired home, making it 3-2 and setting up a tense finish.

The closing minutes were frantic, with the defending champions attacking relentlessly. Egypt’s goalkeeper, Mohamed El Shenawy, made crucial saves and was later booked for time-wasting deep into stoppage time as Egypt expertly managed the game to preserve their lead.

Despite enjoying 71% possession and more attempts on goal, Ivory Coast were undone by Egypt’s efficiency and defensive discipline. The Pharaohs required just six shots, with four on target, to secure the win.

With this result, Egypt advances to the 2025 AFCON semi-finals, where they will face Senegal on Wednesday, January 14.