Egypt has secured a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals after defeating defending champions Ivory Coast 3-2 in a thrilling quarter-final match on Saturday. The Pharaohs will now face Senegal in the next round, setting up an exciting encounter.
The match began with Egypt taking an early lead, courtesy of Omar Marmoush’s goal in the 4th minute, assisted by Emam Ashour. The team doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute when Ramy Rabia headed in a corner kick delivered by captain Mohamed Salah. However, Ivory Coast narrowed the lead to 2-1 just before halftime, thanks to an own goal by Ahmed Abou El Fotouh.
The second half saw Egypt extend their lead once more, with Mohamed Salah scoring in the 52nd minute after another assist from Emam Ashour. Despite Ivory Coast’s efforts to mount a comeback, including a goal by Guela Doué in the 73rd minute, Egypt’s defense held firm. The team withstood sustained pressure from the Ivorians in the final minutes, with goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy making a crucial save to secure the win.
The victory marked a significant milestone for Egypt, as they eliminated the tournament’s defending champions and advanced to the semi-finals. The team’s success has kept their Africa Cup of Nations dreams alive, and they will now face a tough challenge against Senegal. The upcoming match promises to be an intense and captivating encounter, with both teams vying for a spot in the final.
Egypt’s win has significant implications for the tournament, as it marks a shift in the balance of power among the competing teams. The Pharaohs’ ability to overcome the defending champions has demonstrated their strength and resilience, making them a formidable opponent in the semi-finals. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect intense and thrilling matches, with teams battling it out for the coveted title. With Egypt’s victory, the stage is set for an exciting semi-final showdown against Senegal.
