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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