Egypt are through to the semi finals of AFCON 2025 after ousting defending champions, Ivory Coast on Saturday night.
Liverpool forward, Mohamed, has once again written his name on the score sheet as Egypt successfully jumped over holders, Ivory Coast, 3-2, in the quarter final match of the Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) 2025 on Saturday 10 January, 2026 at Stade Adrar.
In the 4th minute of play, Manchester City forward, Omar Marmoush, placed the Pharoahs in front as Egypt never went behind all through the clash.
Ivory Coast, famously known for their strength never stopped to play as they held possession for a large period of the game, but, that did not deter the North African side, who went ahead to make it two in the 32nd minute through Ramy Rabia’s header.
Sadly, Egypt reduced its lead in the 40th minute after gifting Emerse Fae’s Elephants a goal when Ahmed Fatouh hit the back of his own net due to intense pressure from the West African side.
The own goal was supposed to help bolster the morale of Ivory Coast, but, it did not as Egypt rallied and added the third through Salah in the 52nd minute.
Salah’s goal provided by E. Ashour restored the Pharoahs’ two-goal lead over their resilient opponents.
A back heel effort from Guela Doue in the 73rd minute drew Ivory Coast close to parity as they fought very hard to level, but, the seven-time AFCON Champions held on until the end.
The outcome means Egypt will now face Senegal in the last four of the tournament as Salah’s dream to win the AFCON title with his country remains on course.
The Liverpool forward will now lead Egypt to Tangier for the clash against the Lions of Teranga on Wednesday 14 January, 2026 at 18:00 (WAT).
If Salah’s Egypt succeeds through Sadio Mane’s Senegal, then, the Pharoahs will meet either Nigeria or host nation, Morocco, in the final on Sunday 18 January, 2026 – a reunion for the former Liverpool teammates.
Mane now plays for Saudi Professional League club, Al Nassr, where he fields alongside five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo.
After easing past Algeria 2-0, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Morocco in the semi final on Wednesday 14 January, 2026 at 21:00 (WAT).
Amad Diallo, who features for Premier League giants, Manchester United, was very silent in the game all through as he failed to help the Elephants in Agadir.
Photo: Mohamed Salah celebrates goal for Egypt with teammate, M. Attia, against Ivory Coast | Getty Images
