Egypt 3-2 Ivory Coast: Salah and Marmoush score as Pharaohs oust AFCON champions
Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush netted goals as Egypt eliminated Africa Cup of Nations titleholders Ivory Coast, advancing to the semi-finals.
The stars from Liverpool and Manchester City struck either side of a Ramy Rabia header for the Pharaohs, allowing the tournament’s most decorated team to secure a spot in the last four and set up a clash against Senegal.
An own goal by Ahmed Abou El Fotouh and two goals from Guela Doue narrowed Egypt’s advantage, but the Elephants could not level the score, and Hossam Hassan’s squad moved forward.
Two Premier League players find net
Egypt kicked off perfectly in Agadir, with Marmoush putting the Pharaohs in front just four minutes in after Ivory Coast was caught overplaying in the midfield.
Following an energetic start, Amad Diallo had a shot within the box blocked as the titleholders sought a way back into the match.
However, the Elephants soon fell behind by an additional goal when Salah’s corner at 32 minutes was met by Rabia’s head.
The 32-year-old defender soared above his markers and capitalized from close range, establishing a strong lead for Egypt.
A mere seven minutes later, Ivory Coast reduced the gap when a wicked delivery from Diomande was inadvertently redirected into his own net by El Fotouh.
But Egypt quickly regained their two-goal advantage shortly after halftime, as Salah finished expertly from Emam Ashour’s low cross after Rabia’s sweeping pass found the midfielder down the left flank.
Ivory Coast responded again with Doue’s clever flick following a scramble in the area after a corner.
Still, Emerse Fae’s team was unable to equalize, and Egypt managed to maintain their lead to move closer to claiming what would be their eighth AFCON championship.
Published: 2026-01-10 21:00:00
source: www.101greatgoals.com
