Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush inspired Egypt to a 3-2 victory over defending champions Ivory Coast, sending the Pharaohs into the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals where they will face Senegal.
Egypt wasted no time taking control in Agadir, with Marmoush capitalising on a midfield error to fire the hosts ahead inside four minutes. The early strike set the pace, as Ivory Coast struggled to create clear chances, with Amad Diallo seeing a close-range effort blocked.
The Pharaohs doubled their lead in the 32nd minute when Salah’s corner found Ramy Rabia, who rose highest to power a header into the net. Ivory Coast pulled one back shortly after through an own goal by Ahmed Abou El Fotouh, who deflected Diomande’s delivery into his own net.
Early in the second half, Egypt restored their two-goal cushion when Rabia’s sweeping pass found Emam Ashour, whose low cross was finished expertly by Salah. Ivory Coast responded with a late strike from Guela Doue following a corner scramble, but could not find a third goal.
Egypt held firm to secure a hard-fought 3-2 win, moving closer to a record eighth AFCON title.
