MOHAMED Salah was once again one of the scorers as Egypt defeated holders Cote d’Ivoire 3-2 in a thrilling quarter-final clash at the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tonight.
After Omar Marmoush fired the Pharaohs ahead just four minutes into the encounter, the North Africans stayed in front in the game until the end, despite Cote d’Ivoire’s best efforts.
The Elephants, who won the title on home soil two years ago, refused to let Egypt blow them away despite Ramy Rabia’s header giving the Pharaohs a 2-0 lead just after the half hour mark.
Ahmed Fatouh’s own goal gave Cote d’Ivoire hope before half-time, but Salah quickly restored a two-goal cushion for the record seven-time champions.
Guela Doue’s backheeled strike 17 minutes from time set up a tense finish, but there was to be no fairytale comeback for Cote d’Ivoire this time around.
The result means Liverpool superstar Salah’s bid for a first AFCON crown with his country is still on course.
Senegal, who beat Egypt in the 2021 final, await the Pharaohs in the semi-final on Wednesday.