AGADIR, Morocco
Mohamed Salah scored and provided an assist as Egypt withstood the Ivorian wave to snatch a dramatic 3-2 victory in a thrilling quarter-final, where the Pharaohs’ efficiency made the difference against the territorial dominance of the Elephants.
In the 4th minute, Omar Marmoush set the tone. Served by Emam Ashour, the Manchester City forward made a decisive run and beat the Ivorian goalkeeper to open the scoring.
Ivory Coast quickly took control of the ball, laying siege around the Egyptian penalty area. Diallo and Diomandé delivered multiple crosses, Guessand pushed to unlock the Pharaoh’s backline, but El Shenawy and his defense bent without breaking.
Against the run of play, Ramy Rabia doubled the lead in the 32nd minute with a perfectly placed header from a Salah corner (2-0).
Far from being demoralized, the Ivorians were finally rewarded when Yan Diomandé forced Fatouh into an own goal (40’), completely reopening the match five minutes before the pause.
After the break, Ivory Coast resumed with the same intensity, but it was again Egypt who struck.
On the first real chance of the second half, Mohamed Salah, perfectly served by Ashour, fired a low shot to score his fourth goal of the tournament (47’, 3-1).
Émerse Faé’s men did not give up. Kessié, Fofana, and Diallo pressed, until Guéla Doué reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute after a chaotic situation in the box (3-2).
The final minutes saw Cote D’Ivoire laying siege. Corners, crosses, and aerial balls rained down on the Pharaohs’ area, transformed into a red fortress. El Shenawy, warned for time-wasting, and his defense held firm until the final whistle.
Dominated but brutally efficient, Egypt ousts Cote D’Ivoire and continue their journey, staying true to their reputation as the record side in the competition.
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