3-2: Salah defeats champions Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast advanced to the quarter-finals of the African Cup and showed a very solid image, but Egypt played a very cautious game that left doubts. In Agadir, the roles changed, and the “Elephants”, who had won the most titles in the tournament (seven), lost 3-1 in the semi-finals to their Senegalese rivals “Pharaohs”, ending their title defense achieved in 2025.

There was almost no news in the first half. Yann Diomande, Evan Guessando, Amad Diallo, He was the driving force behind Ivory Coast’s victory over Burkina Faso (3-0) in the Round of 16. trident instead Imam Ashour, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmouche were involved in the three goals. They completed Egypt’s most complete match of the tournament.

Marmouche’s blow is fast

It wasn’t long before Egypt was attacked. 4 minutes after rebuilding, Ashor put the ball Mamouche Who took advantage of your clumsy indecision? Odilon Kossounow face Yahia Fofana And on the way out I hit him.

Egypt was not only surprised by this quick goal. Their defense learned their lesson and played well, keeping their rival forwards out of the game. Still, when Diomande was able to contact Amado Diallo.they were able to equalize with a shot from close range, which was brilliantly converted by the centre-back. Rami Rabia.

mule extends lead

Ivory Coast had over 60% possession in the first half, but Egypt needed little to extend their advantage. It was a corner taken by Salah. to the second suit A mule placed in another post He scored a parabolic header with intention (32nd minute).

Own goal gives hope to Ivorians

It was effective on both fronts, with Egypt conceding 2-1 just before half-time due to their first defensive error. Diomande took a free kick near the corner. Kosounou scored at the near post and Ahmed Fatu scored an own goal (40′).

Assist and extravagant goal at 3-1

This goal gave Ivory Coast any hope of a comeback, but after the break Egypt once again showed their punch with a brilliant counterattack. I received Ashoor He made an exquisite pass from deep space on the left side, Salah also has a high quality finish. Two great touches from the outside, both an assist and a shot, made the score 3-1 (52′). This was the Liverpool forward’s fourth goal of the tournament. Even the works of the great Moroccan director Brahim Díaz.

Duet scores, Egypt suffers in the end

Egypt still had to suffer as Ivory Coast, who did not play well, forced their way in and managed to get back into the game by taking advantage of their lack of defensive strength in the corners. Kossonou plays with a header, Gera Due The PSG player’s younger brother backheeled the ball into the goal (74′).

Egypt resisted the final siege of the Elephants and on Wednesday will have a chance to take revenge on Senegal, who defeated Egypt in the 2022 final and were barred from the World Cup less than two months later, both on penalties. The issue is how to advance to the finals. Former Liverpool team-mates Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah will face off again.