Mo Salah Fires Egypt Into AFCON Semi-Finals After Defeating Ivory Coast
Salah scores decisive goal as Egypt dethrone defending champions to set up semi-final clash with Senegal
Mohamed Salah played a decisive role as Egypt booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals with a dramatic 3-2 victory over defending champions Ivory Coast on Saturday.
Omar Marmoush opened the scoring before goals from Rami Rabia and Salah sealed Egypt’s place in the last four, despite a spirited comeback attempt from the Ivorians at the Grande Stade Agadir. The result ended Ivory Coast’s reign as African champions and set up a semi-final showdown between Egypt and Senegal on Wednesday.
Egypt, seven-time AFCON winners, made a fast start, taking the lead in the fourth minute when Marmoush capitalised on a midfield turnover. Hamdi Fathy dispossessed Franck Kessie before Emam Ashour released Marmoush, who shrugged off Odilon Kossounou and calmly finished.
Despite Ivory Coast dominating possession and controlling much of the physical battle, Egypt doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute when centre-back Rabia rose highest to head home from a corner.
Ivory Coast, who enjoyed nearly 70 per cent possession in the first half, pulled a goal back eight minutes later. Yann Diomande’s free-kick deflected off Kossounou and ricocheted off full-back Ahmed Fatouh into the net for an own goal.
Any hopes of another comeback — similar to their earlier 3-2 win over Gabon — were dealt a blow early in the second half. Rabia lofted a long ball forward, Ashour raced onto it and delivered a precise outside-of-the-boot pass for Salah, who finished clinically to restore Egypt’s two-goal cushion.
The Ivorians refused to go quietly and reduced the deficit again in the 73rd minute when Guela Doue scored from close range after a goalmouth scramble. A late barrage followed, but Egypt’s defence held firm to secure qualification.
“It was a perfect win, but as I said before, we are fighting for our country,” Salah said after the match. “Hopefully we go through the next game as well, it's against a tough opponent, but we will give our best.
“We are fighting so hard, you can see the players, nobody is holding anything. We are just carrying on.”
Nigeria Also Advance to Semi-Finals
Earlier on Saturday, Nigeria advanced to the AFCON semi-finals with a commanding 2-0 victory over Algeria in Marrakesh. Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams scored second-half goals to set up a semi-final clash with hosts Morocco.
Osimhen opened the scoring two minutes after the restart, finishing a cross from Bruno Onyemaechi as goalkeeper Luca Zidane misjudged the effort. Adams doubled the lead shortly after, rounding Zidane and slotting into an empty net following an unselfish assist from Osimhen.
“It was an impressive performance,” Nigeria coach Eric Chelle said. “The victory was deserved. The match was fantastic, and I am very happy with the win.”
Algeria coach Victor Petkovic conceded Nigeria’s superiority, saying: “Nigeria were better. The Nigerian team showed the individual skills they possess, and physically we were behind.”
Nigeria will face Morocco in Rabat on Wednesday, while Egypt take on Senegal earlier the same day in Tangier. The AFCON final will be held in Rabat next Sunday.