Egypt vs Ivory Coast – Salah goal sends Pharaohs to AFCON semi-final, books clash with ex-teammate

The Pharaohs made it to the quarter-final following their extra-time win over Benin Republic, while the Elephants had an easy win over Burkina Faso in the round of 16.

The quarter-final saw two teams battle for a spot in the semi-final against Senegal. It was Egypt, however, who emerged victorious, defeating Ivory Coast 3-2 to move one step closer to the final.

Mohamed Salah led the attack for Egypt as they faced Ivory Coast in the quarter-final of the 2025 AFCON competition.

On the other hand, Amad Diallo, who has been Ivory Coast’s best player in the tournament, was in attack for the Elephants.

It could not have been any better for the Pharaohs, as they struck first in the fourth minute when Omar Marmoush got on the end of a pass from Emam Ashour and slotted home.

Shortly after, Egypt doubled their lead after Rami Rabia headed home Salah’s cross, making it a nightmare start for Ivory Coast. 

The Elephant’s gathered themselves back into the game from Ahmed Fatouh’s own goal, reducing the deficit before the halftime whistle.

Entering the second half, Egypt restored their two-goal lead, with Salah getting his name on the scoresheet.

The Elephants made it 3-2 from a corner kick scored by Guela Doue in the 72nd minute to restore hope of a comeback.

However, their efforts to get an equaliser and send the game into extra time were not accomplished, as Egypt went on to claim the win.

Salah will now face his former teammate at Liverpool, Sadio Mane, when Egypt face Senegal in the semi-final.