Article by Romeo Ene – Published Saturday, January 10, 2026 23:19 / Updated Saturday, January 10, 2026 23:27
Egypt qualified for the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Ivory Coastthe trophy holder, score 3-2, in the quarterfinals.
Egypt and Ivory Coast offered a very spectacular match. The team led on the field by Mohamed Salah (33 years old), the star of Liverpool, achieved an important victory and ensured its presence in the semi-finals.
In the semi-finals, Egypt will meet Senegal on January 14 in Tangier.
Egypt qualified for the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations
Egypt opened the scoring in the 4th minute through Manchester City star Omar Marmoush. The striker took advantage of a pass from Emam Ashour, found space in the box and sent the ball into the bottom right corner.
Egypt doubled their lead in the 32nd minute. Mohamed Salah took a corner and found Rabia, who headed it in from the edge of the box for 2-0.
Ivory Coast reduced the difference in the 40th minute, after an own goal by Fathouh. Following a cross from a free kick, the Egyptian defender headed the ball into his own goal. At halftime, the score was 2-1 for Egypt.
In the 52nd minute, Egypt made it 3-1 through Mohamed Salah. Emam Ashour took care of the captain, who shot from inside the box and sent the ball into the bottom left corner. Ivory Coast got back into the game at the end (73'), when Doue scored for 3-2, after a corner.
The ball reached the Strasbourg defender, who beat El Shenawy with a precise execution.
It ended 3-2 for the Egyptian national team, who qualified for the semi-finals of the competition.
In the other quarter-finals, Nigeria beat Algeria 2-0 in Marrakech to qualify. Also, host country Morocco beat Cameroon 2-0. Senegal qualified for the semi-finals after a 1-0 victory over Mali in the first quarter-final of the tournament.
