Egypt booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals after a dramatic 3-2 victory over defending champions Ivory Coast in Agadir, with Mohamed Salah once again playing a decisive role.
The Liverpool forward scored his fourth goal of the tournament as the Pharaohs continued their push for a first continental title since 2010. The win also sets up a high-profile semi-final against Senegal and Sadio Mané, renewing one of African football’s biggest rivalries.
Egypt got off to a flying start when Omar Marmoush opened the scoring in the fourth minute, finishing calmly after being put through by Emam Ashour. Ivory Coast looked rattled, and their problems deepened on the half-hour mark when Rami Rabia rose highest to head in Salah’s corner and make it 2-0.
The Elephants were handed a lifeline just before the break when Ahmed Abou El Fotouh diverted the ball into his own net following a free-kick, bringing the score back to 2-1 and giving Ivory Coast renewed hope.
However, Egypt restored their two-goal advantage early in the second half. Salah timed his run perfectly to latch onto a through ball from Ashour before sliding a composed finish past goalkeeper Yahia Fofana to make it 3-1.
Ivory Coast refused to go down quietly. With 17 minutes remaining, Guela Doué produced a clever back-heel finish from a corner to reduce the deficit to one goal and set up a tense finale.
Despite late pressure, the champions could not find an equaliser. Egypt defended their narrow lead with discipline and experience, seeing out the game to end Ivory Coast’s title defence.
The Pharaohs now move on to face Senegal in the semi-finals on January 14 in Tanger, where Salah and Mané will meet once again on opposite sides, with a place in the final at stake.
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