Egypt once again proved their pedigree on the continental stage after edging past Ivory Coast 3-2 in a gripping Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final at Stade d’Agadir on Saturday night.
The Pharaohs made a dream start, taking the lead inside four minutes when Omar Marmoush pounced in the box to finish calmly following sharp build-up play. Ivory Coast barely had time to settle before Egypt struck again midway through the first half, with Rami Rabia rising highest to head home from a Mohamed Salah corner in the 32nd minute.
Ivory Coast responded with urgency and were handed a lifeline five minutes before the break when Ahmed Abou El Fotouh inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, reducing the deficit and shifting the momentum heading into half-time.
Egypt restored control early in the second half through their talisman. Mohamed Salah showcased his composure in the 52nd minute, guiding a low left-footed finish into the corner to make it 3-1 and send the Egyptian supporters into celebration.
The Elephants refused to bow out quietly. Sustained pressure paid off in the 73rd minute when Guela Doue struck from close range following a corner, setting up a nervy final quarter of an hour.
Ivory Coast threw numbers forward in search of an equaliser, forcing Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy into several key interventions, including a crucial late save to deny Vakoun Issouf Bayo. Tempers flared in stoppage time as fouls and bookings disrupted Ivory Coast’s rhythm, allowing Egypt to manage the closing moments with experience and discipline.
At the final whistle, Egypt held firm to secure a famous 3-2 victory, underlining their reputation as serial contenders and booking a place in the AFCON semi-finals, while Ivory Coast were left to rue missed chances in a match that lived up to its billing.
