AFCON 2025: Egypt Knockout Ivory Coast To Reach Semi-final

 

Ivory Coast have been eliminated from the AFCON Cup following a 3-2 loss to Egypt, who will now progress to the semi-finals. 

The Ivorians are the defending champions from the last edition, which they hosted in 2025. The Egyptians seized the first half to lead before the Ivorians became fired up to make a comeback. 

An early defensive error gave the ball away to Omar Marmoush, who darted into the box and finished off the opportunity in the 4th minute. The second goal followed midway through the first period when Ramy Tabia headed in a corner. 

The lead narrowed before halftime when Al Amir Fotouh deflected a free-kick into the net for an own goal. Egypt scored the third goal soon after the interval from Mohamed Salah's effort before the Ivorians narrowed the deficit when Guela Doue kicked a loose ball into the net. 

Egypt will now progress to the semi-finals to meet Nigeria, who defeated Algeria 2-0. The Ivorians will be unable to defend the title they won in the last edition. 

Overview 

Given that Egyptians have won their last five AFCON quarter-finals, the seven-time champions finally hit their stride here. However, the Ivory Coast produced one of the most dominant displays of the Round of 16, as they dismissed Burkina Faso 3-0 to continue the defence of their third crown. 

Their experience of making it to the knockout stages in ten of the last 11 AFCON tournaments was telling in that match, as was their winning form, which has seen them fail to win only three of their last 11 games. That consistency is not replicated when looking at their