In a match that encapsulated the unpredictable, passionate spirit of African football, Egypt authored a stunning upset on Saturday, dethroning defending champions Ivory Coast with a pulsating 3-2 victory in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The clash at the Grand Stade d'Agadir was more than just a football match; it was a tactical masterclass by Egypt's Portuguese manager Rui Vitória and a testament to the Pharaohs' enduring resilience. They blunted the Elephants' much-vaunted attack and secured a semi-final berth against Senegal, setting up an eagerly anticipated "Liverpool reunion" between former teammates Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. The Lightning Start Egypt came out of the blocks with an intensity that seemed to catch the Ivorians off guard. It took just four minutes for the deadlock to be broken. A swift, incisive attack saw Emam Ashour feed Omar Marmoush, who slotted a clinical low drive past Ivorian goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. The early goal energized the Pharaohs, who continued to press high. Their efforts were rewarded in the 32nd minute when Rami Rabia rose highest to connect with a pinpoint Mohamed Salah corner, doubling Egypt's lead and sending a clear message that the record seven-time champions were here to reclaim their crown. The Ivorian Fightback and Egyptian Response The Elephants, stunned but not broken, mounted a spirited response. The momentum shifted in their favor just before halftime when an Egyptian defender, Ahmed Fatouh, inadvertently turned a free-kick into his own net in the 40th minute. The own goal offered Ivory Coast a lifeline and injected belief into their camp heading into the break. However, any hopes of an immediate second-half comeback were quickly dashed by Egypt's talisman. Just seven minutes after the restart, Salah, often criticized for his form in previous AFCON tournaments, provided a moment of sheer quality. He expertly finished a sharp cross from the impressive Emam Ashour, restoring Egypt's two-goal cushion and showcasing the clinical finishing that has made him one of the world's elite forwards.
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A Tense Finale The match entered a frantic final phase when Ivory Coast substitute Guéla Doué produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 73rd minute, backheeling the ball into the net amidst a goalmouth scramble. The atmosphere in the stadium crackled as the holders pushed desperately for an equalizer. For the final 17 minutes plus stoppage time, Egypt defended with a combination of organization, desperation, and no little skill. The Pharaohs held firm against wave after wave of Ivorian attacks, managing the game's final moments with tactical maturity. The final whistle was met with a roar of triumph from the Egyptian players and travelling fans, confirming one of the tournament's most significant results. The Road Ahead For Ivory Coast, the defeat marks a disappointing end to their title defence and raises questions about their future direction under manager Jean-Louis Gasset. For Egypt, the journey continues. They now look forward to a blockbuster semi-final clash with Senegal on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. This victory over the tournament favorites has not only secured their spot in the final four but has also solidified their status as serious contenders for the 2025 AFCON title. The football world now awaits the next chapter in this gripping North-West African drama.
TV3 TANZANIA
