AFCON 2025: Egypt eliminate champions Cote D’ivoire

The reign of the Pharaohs

With seven (7) victories in as many matches on their last confrontations in the African Cup of Nations, Egypt was starting with a historic ascendancy over Ivory Coast. A weight of history that took effect from the start of the match with a high-paying pressing by the Pharaohs who will open the scoring thanks to Omar Marmoush after 4 minutes of play.

Stunned from the start, the Elephants will undergo the Egyptian waves in the first half hour of the game. And what made the difference in this first act was the efficiency of Hossam Hassan’s men who will make the break in the 32nd minute on a header from Ramy Rabia which will allow them to lead until the break, the reduction of the casualties  by Ahmed Abou El Fotouh, forced to score an own goal from a cross. 2-1 at halftime and the champions were back in business.

Côte d'Ivoire is holding on without catching up with Egypt

As in the first period, Egypt quickly took the lead at the beginning of the second with a goal from their talisman Mohamed Salah, found on the opposite side by a sumptuous outside foot of Omar Marmoush.

Côte d'Ivoire were taking water, but the African champion did not admit defeat and will once again close the gap, this time thanks to Guéla Doué who took advantage of a mix-up in the Egyptian defense to put a lob in the nets (73e).

The difference being no longer significant, Emerse Faé will play all for the attack with the entries of Vakun Bayo, Jean-Philippe Krasso and his luxury joker Bazoumana Touré, but that was not enough for the Elephants who bow to the Pharaohs once again in the African Cup of Nations.

Egypt will meet Senegal on Wednesday in the semi-finals (17h GMT) for the remake of the 2021 CAN final.