In a pulsating quarter-final at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt ended Ivory Coast’s campaign to defend their title with a 3-2 victory, securing a high-stakes semi-final clash with Senegal on Wednesday, January 14.
The Pharaohs stormed out of the blocks, taking the lead in the fourth minute when Omar Marmoush latched onto a precise delivery from Emam Ashour and calmly finished, giving Egypt an immediate advantage. Their dominance continued, and in the 32nd minute, defender Ramy Rabia rose above the Ivory Coast defence to head home a corner from Mohamed Salah, doubling the lead.
However, momentum swung unexpectedly just before halftime. A defensive miscue by Ahmed Aboul-Fatouh resulted in an own goal, reducing Egypt’s advantage and revitalizing the Elephants heading into the break.
Egypt regrouped in the second half, and seven minutes after the restart, Salah restored the two-goal cushion with a composed strike off another incisive pass from Ashour. Ivory Coast refused to surrender, pressing forward and eventually narrowing the deficit in the 73rd minute through Guela Doué, making it 3-2 and setting up a nail-biting finish.
The final moments saw Ivory Coast dominate possession and create several opportunities, but Mohamed El Shenawy was resolute, making crucial saves and even receiving a booking for time-wasting as Egypt managed the game expertly to preserve their lead. Despite controlling 71% of the ball and outshooting their opponents, the defending champions could not overcome Egypt’s efficiency; the Pharaohs needed only six shots, four on target, to secure the victory.
Analysis: Egypt’s performance demonstrated a blend of attacking precision and defensive resilience. Their ability to capitalize on limited chances while withstanding Ivory Coast’s sustained pressure underscores why they are seen as serious contenders for AFCON 2025. The semi-final against Senegal promises a tactical and thrilling encounter, pitting two of Africa’s most disciplined and technically gifted sides against each other.
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