Egypt produced a masterclass in efficiency to edge past defending Champions Ivory Coast, 3-2 in a pulsating Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final, absorbing relentless pressure before striking decisively at key moments.
Mohamed Salah was at the heart of the Pharaohs’ triumph, finding the net and registering an assist as Egypt advanced despite being largely outplayed in possession.
The Pharaohs made a dream start, taking the lead inside four minutes. Emam Ashour slipped a precise pass into the path of Omar Marmoush, who burst through the Ivorian defence and calmly finished past the advancing goalkeeper.
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Ivory Coast responded by dominating the ball and pinning Egypt deep in their own half. Diallo and Diomandé delivered a series of dangerous crosses, while Guessand probed continuously, but goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and a disciplined backline stood firm under sustained pressure.
Egypt struck again in the 32nd minute against the flow of the game. From a Mohamed Salah corner, Ramy Rabia rose unchallenged to power a header beyond the goalkeeper, putting the Pharaohs 2-0 ahead.
The Elephants finally found a breakthrough shortly before halftime when Yan Diomandé’s low delivery forced Mohamed Fatouh into diverting the ball into his own net, reducing the deficit and reigniting the contest.
Ivory Coast resumed the second half with renewed urgency, but Egypt once again punished their opponents’ defensive lapse. Just two minutes after the restart, Salah was released by Ashour and rifled a low shot into the corner for his fourth goal of the tournament.
Refusing to surrender, Émerse Faé’s side kept pushing. Their persistence paid off in the 73rd minute when Guéla Doué reacted quickest during a scramble in the penalty area to make it 3-2.
The closing stages saw the Ivory Coast throw everything forward, bombarding the Egyptian box with crosses and set pieces. El Shenawy, booked for time-wasting, produced crucial interventions as Egypt weathered the storm to seal a dramatic victory.
Though second best for long spells, Egypt’s clinical edge proved decisive as the record champions once again underlined their pedigree in Africa’s premier tournament.
The Pharaohs will now take on the Teranga Lions of Senegal on Wednesday for the first semi-final game.