Egypt came out on top in their duel against Ivory Coast in the AFCON2025 quarterfinals, defeating them 3-2 behind a masterclass performance from Mohamed Salah, who recorded both a goal and an assist.
The side managed by Hossam Hassan started the match in the best way possible, capitalizing on a defensive error by Odilon Kossounou that allowed Omar Marmoush to net the opening goal just three minutes into the game.
After the early blow, Ivory Coast struggled to find their rhythm. Just as it seemed they were nearing an equalizer, Salah delivered a brilliant cross for Ramy Rabia to score the second goal of the match. However, the Elephants managed to pull one back minutes later via an Ahmed Fatouh own goal, heading into the break with their hopes alive.
In the second half, the Pharaohs extended their lead early on with a goal from Salah in the 52nd minute, nearly putting the game away. Yet, Ivory Coast refused to surrender and cut the deficit again in the 73rd minute through Guela Doue, sparking an electric finish at Adrar Stadium.
The Elephants pushed for the equalizer until the final minute, but El Shenawy put on a stellar performance to preserve the lead, securing the victory for his team. Egypt will now play for a spot in the final on Wednesday, January 14, when they face Sadio Mane’s Senegal.
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End of the game!
Egypt defeat Ivory Coast 3-2 to reach the AFCON 2025 semifinals!!!
90'+1- Modification in Egypt (3-2)
Omar Marmoush was replaced by Mostafa Mohamed.
89'- Two modifications in Ivory Coast (3-2)
Yan Diomande and Inao Oulai left the field to make way for Bazoumana Toure and Seko Fofana.
80'- Modification in Ivory Coast (3-2)
Evann Guessand left the field to make way for Vakoun Bayo.
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79'- What a save by El Shenawy! (3-2)
El Shenawy made a brilliant save on a header from Guessand that could have been the equalizer!
78'- Modification in Egypt (3-2)
Emam Ashour was replaced by Mahmoud Trezeguet.
72'- GOOOOAAAAL OF IVORY COAST!!! (3-2)
Guela Doue pulls one back for Ivory Coast after a corner kick!!!
Mohamed Hany unleashed a powerful strike that Yahia Fofana stopped brilliantly, tipping the ball out for a corner kick.
The second half is underway!
Egypt and Ivory Coast are already playing the second half!
Halftime!
The first half of the game has ended!
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40'- GOOOOOAAAAAL OF IVORY COAST!!!! (2-1)
An own goal by Ahmed Fatouh following a corner kick to pull one back for Ivory Coast!!
🚨⚽ 1-2 IVORY COAST.
OWN GOAL FROM FATOUH AS IVORY COAST GET ONE BACK AGAINST EGYPT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE MATCH IS ALIVE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🔥🇨🇮 pic.twitter.com/EKjID0VqIp
The Ivorian forward connected with another header, but this time the ball was easily gathered by Mohamed El Shenawy.
22'- Ivory Coast are getting closer (1-0)
Guessand connected with a header but the ball went wide. Ivory Coast are getting closer and closer to scoring, and if they maintain this pace, the equalizer won't be long in coming.
20'- Egypt nearly double the lead! (1-0)
Following a cross, Hossam Abdelmaguid connected with a header, but the ball sailed over the Ivorian goal.
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13'- Ivory Coast push for the equalizer (1-0)
Omar Marmoush’s early goal was a blow to Ivory Coast, who are now looking to react and level the match before it’s too late.
3'- GOOOOAAAAAL OF EGYPT!!! (1-0)
Omar Marmoush scores the first goal of the game!!!
Egypt and Ivory Coast have kicked off the AFCON 2025 quarterfinal!
Players are on the field!
Players from both countries are on the pitch for the national anthems. Everything is ready for the start of the match.
Ivory Coast aim to defend the title
The Elephants are looking to defend the title they won in the 2023 edition, but to do so, they must defeat Egypt, the all-time leaders in AFCON history with seven championships.
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Egypt lineup confirmed!
This will be Egypt starting lineup: Mohamed El Shenawy; Yasser Ibrahim, Hossam Abdelmaguid, Rami Rabia; Mohamed Hany; Hamdy Fathy, Marwan Ateya, Ahmed Fatouh;Eman Ashour; Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush.
This is the Ivory Coast's starting XI for today: Yahia Fofana; Guela Doue, Odilon Kossounou, Evan N’Dicka, Ghislain Konan; Franck Kessie, Ibrahim Sangare, Inao Oulai; Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande, Evann Guessand.
Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal has been appointed to officiate the quarterfinal clash between Egypt and Ivory Coast. He will be joined on the field by Abbes Akram Zerhouni and Adel Abane, who are set to serve as the assistant referees.
Full officiating team:
Referee: Mustapha Ghorbal (ALG)
Assistant Referee 1: Abbes Akram Zerhouni (ALG)
Assistant Referee 2: Adel Abane (ALG)
Fourth Official: Gamouh Youcef (ALG)
VAR: Lahlou Benbraham (ALG)
Kick off time
Egypt vs Ivory Coast will get underway in the Adrar Stadium at 2:00 PM (ET).
Egypt and Ivory Coast clash in AFCON 2025 quarterfinals
Welcome to our live blog of the AFCON 2025 action. Egypt face Ivory Coast today in a crucial quarterfinal showdown, with both national teams searching for a spot in the final four!
Stay with us for key information and minute-by-minute updates of this exciting game!
Gianni Taina is a bilingual journalist, fluent in English and Spanish, with a specialization in soccer, NBA, and tennis. He began his professional career in 2020 with Mundo Deportivo US, where he first established himself as a writer. Throughout his career, Gianni has covered major sports events such as the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tournaments like the French Open. His ability to report on real-time events and perform well under pressure has made him a valuable member of a top-tier team of journalists. In 2024, he joined Bolavip US, bringing his expertise in soccer, NBA, and tennis to deliver original content while providing live coverage of important events.
