By Neilley Claude EBESSA
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
Egypt booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Côte d’Ivoire in a quarter-final showdown at the Grand Stade d’Agadir. The Pharaohs will face Senegal in the semi-finals on Wednesday in Tangier, while Morocco takes on Nigeria in the other semi-final in Rabat.
The match burst into life from the fourth minute. Omar Marmoush, capitalizing on a perfectly timed pass from Emam Ashour, broke through the Ivorian defense and calmly finished past the goalkeeper to give Egypt an early lead. Despite the early setback, Côte d’Ivoire responded immediately, dominating possession and applying relentless pressure on the Egyptian backline. Diallo and Diomandé delivered a series of dangerous crosses, while Guessand threatened from distance. Yet, Egypt’s defense, marshaled by goalkeeper El Shenawy, held firm.
Against the run of play, Egypt struck again in the 32nd minute. Ramy Rabia met a corner from Mohamed Salah with a perfectly placed header, sending the ball into the net and giving the Pharaohs a 2-0 advantage. Côte d’Ivoire, undeterred, continued to push forward and were rewarded just before halftime. Yan Diomandé’s intervention inadvertently led to an own goal by Fatouh in the 40th minute, bringing the Elephants back into contention at 2-1.
After the break, Côte d’Ivoire maintained their attacking intensity, but Egypt’s lethal counter-attack proved decisive. In the 52nd minute, Mohamed Salah, again set up by Ashour, fired a precise low shot into the corner, scoring his fourth goal of the tournament and restoring Egypt’s two-goal cushion at 3-1. Salah’s performance was decisive throughout the match, earning him Man of the Match honors.
The Elephants refused to surrender, with Kessié, Fofana, and Diallo driving forward and testing the Egyptian defense. Their persistence paid off in the 73rd minute when Guéla Doué capitalized on a chaotic situation in the box to pull a goal back, narrowing the scoreline to 3-2.
The final stages saw Côte d’Ivoire storming the Egyptian penalty area, with corners, crosses, and aerial threats creating a tense atmosphere. Despite the pressure and a warning for time-wasting, El Shenawy and his backline stood resolute, keeping the Pharaohs ahead until the final whistle.
Egypt’s triumph was built on ruthless efficiency and defensive discipline. Though largely out-possessed, the Pharaohs made the most of their chances, demonstrating the kind of knockout-stage mastery that has long defined their reputation. Côte d’Ivoire displayed skill and determination but ultimately fell short, leaving Agadir with a hard-fought defeat.
With this win, Egypt advances to the semi-finals against Senegal , keeping their ambitions for a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title very much alive.
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