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Rabat – Egypt booked their place in the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 with a thrilling 3–2 victory over defending champions Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday night at Stade d’Agadir.
Despite having just 29% possession, the Pharaohs showed clinical finishing and tactical discipline to eliminate the Elephants and set up a high-stakes match with Senegal in Tangier on January 14.
𝐖𝐇𝐎 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐅𝐂𝐎𝐍❓🌍🏆
Semi-finals:
Morocco 🇲🇦 vs 🇳🇬 Nigeria
Senegal 🇸🇳 vs 🇪🇬 Egypt pic.twitter.com/86yhCbtmdL— 433 (@433) January 10, 2026
Egypt struck early through Omar Marmoush, who netted in the 4th minute with a composed right-footed finish from the center of the box, assisted by Emam Ashour.
The lead was doubled in the 32nd minute when center-back Rami Rabia headed home a corner delivered by Mohamed Salah.
Côte d’Ivoire responded before halftime, narrowing the score to 2–1 after Egyptian left-back Ahmed Abou El Fotouh accidentally scored an own goal in the 40th minute.
The Ivorians dominated possession and created more chances, registering 13 shots and an xG of 1.46 compared to Egypt’s 6 shots and 0.81 xG.
In the second half, Salah restored Egypt’s two-goal cushion with a precise left-footed strike in the 52nd minute, again assisted by Ashour.
Côte d’Ivoire refused to back down, and Guéla Doué made it 3–2 in the 73rd minute with a close-range finish following a corner.
Despite late pressure and superior ball control, Côte d’Ivoire couldn’t find an equalizer.
Egypt’s defense held firm through five minutes of stoppage time, securing a hard-fought win that knocked out the reigning champions.
The result sends Egypt into the semifinals, where they will face Senegal on January 14 at Stade Ibn-Batouta in Tangier. With momentum, experience, and star power, the Pharaohs are now just two wins away from reclaiming continental glory and securing what would be their eighth Africa Cup of Nations title, the most in tournament history.
