Egypt kept alive their bid for a record-extending eighth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after edging past Ivory Coast in a thrilling 3-2 quarter-final victory on Saturday night.
In an absorbing contest at Stade Adrar, Mohamed Salah played a decisive role as the Pharaohs struck at key moments to overcome an Ivory Coast side that enjoyed long spells of dominance but was left to rue missed opportunities.
Egypt made a dream start, opening the scoring inside four minutes. Emam Ashour’s pass into the penalty area appeared overhit, but Omar Marmoush reacted quickest to poke the ball beyond Yahia Fofana and give the Pharaohs an early advantage.
Ivory Coast responded positively and controlled much of the first half, with Evann Guessand going close when he headed narrowly wide. However, despite their pressure, it was Egypt who struck again midway through the half. Salah’s corner found Ramy Rabia, whose looping header dropped into the top corner to make it 2-0.
The Elephants finally found a way back into the contest shortly before the interval when a free-kick into the box deflected off Ahmed Fatouh and into his own net, giving Ivory Coast renewed belief heading into half-time.
Any hopes of a full comeback were dented early in the second half as Egypt restored their two-goal cushion five minutes after the restart. Ashour again provided the assist, sliding the ball across goal for Salah, who finished calmly to register his third goal of the tournament.
Ivory Coast refused to fold and set up a tense finale when Guela Doué forced the ball home from a corner, reducing the deficit to one goal and piling pressure on the Egyptian defence.
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Despite Ivory Coast enjoying the majority of possession and territory, Egypt showed composure and resilience in the closing stages to see out the victory and secure a place in the semi-finals.
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The Pharaohs will now face Senegal on Wednesday for a place in the AFCON final, while Ivory Coast exit the tournament having produced an impressive but ultimately unrewarded display.
