Mohamed Salah scored and assisted as Egypt absorbed holders Cote d’Ivoire’s pressure to secure a thrilling 3-2 quarter-final victory at the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
The win booked Egypt a semi-final clash with Senegal’s Lions of Teranga on Wednesday in Tangier.
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Morocco will meet Nigeria in the other semi-final in Rabat, setting up a mouth-watering conclusion to the tournament’s last four.
Omar Marmoush opened the scoring in the 4th minute, finishing a precise pass from Emam Ashour to give Egypt an early advantage.
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Ramy Rabia doubled Egypt’s lead in the 32nd minute with a perfect header from a Salah corner, putting the Pharaohs 2-0 up.
Côte d’Ivoire pulled one back in the 40th minute when Yan Diomandé forced an own goal from Fatouh, reigniting tension just before halftime.
Salah restored Egypt’s two-goal cushion in the 47th minute, firing a low shot after a sublime Ashour pass to make it 3-1.
Guéla Doué reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute, but Egypt’s defence, led by El Shenawy, held firm against late Ivorian attacks.
Salah, named Man of the Match, expressed pride in his teammates’ performance.
“I am very happy and proud to play with these guys. We always want to bring joy to the Egyptian fans,” he said.
He acknowledged the difficulty of facing the defending champions.
“It was a tough match. The Ivorians played like champions. We gave everything, and I’m happy we qualified,” Salah said.
Salah also highlighted his leadership on the pitch.
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“I always give my all and try to bring my experience to help the team. I tell my teammates to give everything from the first minute,” he said.
NAN reports that the Pharaohs’ victory reinforces their reputation as Africa’s most decorated nation in the competition, blending efficiency with attacking flair.
(NAN)
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