Egypt edge past Ivory Coast to reach AFCON semi-finals

AGADIR: Egypt ended Ivory Coast’s reign as Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions with a narrow 3-2 victory in Saturday’s quarter-final here at Adrar Stadium.

Omar Marmoush opened the scoring, Mohamed Salah struck the decisive goal, and centre-back Rami Rabia was also on target as the Pharaohs progressed despite enjoying far less possession. Egypt’s clinical finishing earned them a semi-final meeting with Senegal on Wednesday.

Ivory Coast, who lifted the trophy on home soil two years ago, saw their title defence end despite benefiting from an own goal by Ahmed Fatouh and a late strike from Guela Doue.

Egypt made a fast start, taking the lead early before Rabia doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute, rising highest to head home from a corner and underline their efficiency in front of goal.

The Ivorians dominated possession, enjoying around 70 per cent of the ball in the first half, but struggled to convert that control into clear-cut chances.

Their pressure eventually told eight minutes after Egypt’s opener, when teenager Yann Diomande’s free kick from near the corner flag brushed Odilon Kossounou’s head and deflected off the knee of full-back Fatouh into the net.

Ivory Coast, which had earlier in the tournament come from 2-0 down to beat Gabon 3-2, hoped to mount another comeback after the break.

However, those ambitions were checked seven minutes into the second half when Salah produced a simply constructed but superbly finished goal to restore Egypt’s two-goal cushion.

Despite sustained pressure and a late goal from Doue that gave the Ivorians renewed hope, Egypt defended resolutely to see out a hard-fought victory and book their place in the semi-finals.