Egypt national football team kept their quest for an eighth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) crown firmly on track after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast national football team at Stade Adrar. In a pulsating quarter-final encounter, the Pharaohs showed ruthless efficiency to overcome an impressive but wasteful Ivorian side and book a semi-final showdown with Senegal.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Egypt wasted no time in stamping their authority on the contest. Just four minutes into the game, Omar Marmoush capitalised on a loose situation inside the box, reacting quickest to Emam Ashour’s pass to poke the ball past Yahia Fofana.
The early goal settled Egypt, but Ivory Coast responded positively. Evann Guessand came close to an equaliser soon after, heading narrowly wide as the Elephants began to dominate possession and territory.
Rabia Header Punishes Ivorian Pressure
Despite Ivory Coast’s control of the ball, Egypt struck again midway through the first half. A well-delivered corner from Mohamed Salah found Ramy Rabia, whose looping header sailed into the top corner to make it 2-0 against the run of play.
The Ivorians finally got their reward five minutes before the break when a dangerous free-kick into the box was deflected into the net by the unfortunate Ahmed Fatouh, reducing the deficit and reigniting the contest.
Salah Delivers When It Matters
Ivory Coast carried their momentum into the second half, pushing Egypt deep and applying sustained pressure. However, champions know how to strike at key moments, and Egypt did just that.
Five minutes after the restart, Ashour turned provider again, squaring the ball for Salah, who calmly finished past Fofana to restore Egypt’s two-goal cushion at 3-1.
Late Drama but Egypt Hold Firm
The Elephants refused to give up and set up a tense finale when Guela Doué forced the ball home from a corner to make it 3-2. With the Ivory Coast throwing bodies forward in search of an equaliser, Egypt were forced into a disciplined defensive display.
Despite Ivory Coast enjoying overall dominance in possession and chances, the Pharaohs showed composure and resilience to see out the game and secure their place in the AFCON semi-finals.
What It Means for Egypt and the Ivory Coast
For Egypt, this victory underlines their tournament pedigree and ability to win tight knockout matches. They now face Senegal in a mouth-watering semi-final, with Kenyan fans eagerly watching to see if the Pharaohs can edge closer to an eighth continental title.
Ivory Coast, meanwhile, exited the tournament with plenty of positives but also lingering regret, having failed to convert dominance into a decisive result.
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