Egypt booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging defending champions Ivory Coast 3–2 in a pulsating quarter-final encounter in Agadir on Saturday.

The Pharaohs looked in control after racing into a two-goal lead, but Ivory Coast’s spirited response ensured a tense and dramatic contest. Mohamed Salah struck shortly after the restart to restore Egypt’s cushion, and although Guéla Doué’s late goal set up a nervy finish, Egypt showed resilience to see out a famous victory.

Ivory Coast suffered a nightmare start, falling behind inside four minutes. Hamdy Fathy won possession smartly in midfield before Emam Ashour released Omar Marmoush with a perfectly weighted through ball. Stealing in from the blind side of Odilon Kossounou, Marmoush kept his composure to slide a low finish into the bottom-right corner and give Egypt an early advantage.

The Elephants attempted to respond immediately, pushing forward in search of an equaliser, but were punished again in the 32nd minute. From a Mohamed Salah corner, Ramy Rabia rose at the back post and nodded the ball back across goal, where it bounced into the net to double Egypt’s lead.

Egypt struck again shortly after the interval, with Salah adding his name to the scoresheet to make it 3–1 and seemingly put the tie beyond reach. However, Ivory Coast refused to go quietly. In the 73rd minute, another corner caused problems for the Egyptian defence. Substitute Jean-Philippe Krasso headed the ball back into the danger area, and right-back Guéla Doué reacted quickest to flick home after a goalmouth scramble, reducing the deficit to 3–2.

The closing stages were tense as Ivory Coast threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, but Egypt stood firm to eliminate the reigning champions.

The Pharaohs now turn their attention to a heavyweight semi-final showdown against Senegal on Wednesday, January 14.