Egypt advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals with a 3-2 victory over defending champions Ivory Coast in Agadir. Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush scored for the Pharaohs, who will face Senegal next. The match featured a tense back-and-forth, with Egypt holding firm despite Ivory Coast's late efforts.
The Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final between Egypt and Ivory Coast unfolded in Agadir on January 10, 2026, pitting the tournament's most successful team against the holders. Egypt, coached by Hossam Hassan, started strongly, taking the lead in the fourth minute when Omar Marmoush capitalized on Ivory Coast's midfield error to fire home the opener.
The Elephants, under Emerse Fae, responded but struggled initially. Amad Diallo had an effort blocked, yet Egypt extended their advantage on 32 minutes. Mohamed Salah's corner found Ramy Rabia, who headed in from close range to make it 2-0. Ivory Coast pulled one back before halftime, as a delivery from Ousmane Diomande was bundled into his own net by Egypt's Ahmed Abou El Fotouh.
After the break, Egypt restored their two-goal lead when Salah finished neatly from Emam Ashour's low cross, set up by Rabia's pass. Ivory Coast mounted a comeback, with Guela Doue improvising a flick from a corner scramble to narrow the gap to 3-2. Despite pressing for an equalizer, the holders could not break through, allowing Egypt to secure their place in the last four.
Both teams had progressed comfortably earlier: Egypt topped their group with two wins and a draw before beating Benin 3-1 in the round of 16, while Ivory Coast mirrored that form and defeated Burkina Faso 3-0. Egypt, unbeaten in 14 games against African sides, now eyes an eighth title. Ivory Coast has reached the knockouts in 10 of their last 11 tournaments but fell short here.
