By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, January 11 2026 - Egypt ended the defending champions’ run at the Africa Cup of Nations with a dramatic 3-2 quarter-final victory over Ivory Coast, booking a place in the semifinals and sending waves through the tournament. The contest at the Grande Stade Agadir was packed with drama, quality goals, and a tense finish that had fans on the edge of their seats.
The Pharaohs raced into an early lead in the 4th minute when Manchester City winger Omar Marmoush latched onto a through ball and calmly finished past the Ivorian goalkeeper after a defensive slip. Morocco’s early pressure paid off and set the tone for a frenetic encounter.
Egypt doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute. From a well-worked corner routine, central defender Ramy Rabia rose to meet Mohamed Salah’s delivery and powered a looping header into the net, giving the Pharaohs a 2-0 cushion.
The Ivorians responded before halftime when an in-swinging free kick was inadvertently diverted into his own net by Egypt defender Ahmed Fatouh on 40 minutes, breathing life back into the holders’ challenge.
Early in the second half, Mohamed Salah restored Egypt’s two-goal lead with a composed finish in the 52nd minute, connecting with a low cross and slotting home to make it 3-1.
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Ivory Coast again rallied and reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute when Guela Doué flicked home from close range after a scramble in the box, setting up a tense finale. Despite relentless Ivorian pressure in the closing stages, Egypt held firm to secure their spot in the semifinals.
After the match Egypt coach Hossam Hassan praised the character of his squad, saying, “We showed real heart today and believed in ourselves from start to finish. This team knows how to win tough games and we will carry this confidence forward.” Meanwhile, Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae acknowledged the intensity of the battle: “It was a great match, very open and competitive. We fought until the end, but today Egypt were just a bit sharper at key moments.”
The victory sends Egypt into a semifinal clash against Senegal, renewing an old rivalry and keeping the Pharaohs firmly in the hunt for their record-extending eighth AFCON crown.
