Egypt’s national team managed to turn the tables on the defending champions, Ivory Coast, with an exciting 3–2 victory on Saturday afternoon at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir, securing their spot in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they will face the 2021 champions, Senegal.
The match started at a fast pace, with Omar Marmoush opening the scoring in the 4th minute, capitalizing on an Ivorian defensive error, which gave the Egyptian team early attacking momentum.
In the 32nd minute, Rami Rabia extended Egypt’s lead with a header from the far post following a precise cross from Mohamed Salah, confirming the team’s ability to exploit set pieces and their organized attack and defense.
The Ivorian team attempted a comeback, with Ahmed Fotouh scoring an own goal before the end of the first half, narrowing the gap and reigniting tension before the break.
At the start of the second half, the Pharaohs continued their control, and Mohamed Salah managed to score the third goal in the 52nd minute after a brilliant pass from Imam Ashour, giving the team some relative comfort in terms of morale and the scoreline.
Ivory Coast threatened again in the 73rd minute with a goal from Ghuela Doué, bringing the match back into a competitive atmosphere. However, Egypt’s defensive organization and the players’ skill in closing down spaces ensured they maintained their lead until the final whistle, securing Egypt’s place in the semi-finals.
The Egyptian national team continues its journey towards an eighth title in its history, while Ivory Coast must reassess its performance after an early exit despite being the previous title holder.
Egypt
Egypt is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over 5,000 years and famed for its pharaonic monuments like the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Its rich cultural legacy includes significant contributions to writing, architecture, and religion, later influenced by Greco-Roman, Coptic Christian, and Islamic periods following its conquests. Today, its ancient sites along the Nile River remain central to its identity and global heritage.
Ivory Coast
The Ivory Coast, officially known as Côte d’Ivoire, is a West African nation whose modern history is marked by French colonial rule from the late 19th century until it gained independence in 1960. Culturally, it is renowned for its diverse ethnic groups and is considered a major hub for music genres like *coupé-décalé*, as well as being famous for its traditional wooden masks and sculptures.
Adrar Stadium
Adrar Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Agadir, Morocco, primarily used for football matches and serving as the home ground of the Hassania Agadir club. It was inaugurated in 2013 and was one of the host venues for the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup.
Agadir
Agadir is a major coastal city in Morocco, largely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1960. Today, it is known primarily as a modern beach resort destination, with its history primarily reflected in the preserved ruins of the ancient Kasbah on a hill overlooking the bay.
Africa Cup of Nations
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the premier international men’s football competition in Africa, first held in 1957. It was founded by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to promote unity and competition among the continent’s nations following a period of decolonization.
Senegal
Senegal is a West African nation known for its rich cultural heritage and history as a center of several pre-colonial empires and later French colonial rule. It is renowned for cultural sites like Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site that memorializes the transatlantic slave trade, and the Grand Mosque of Touba, a major spiritual hub. The country gained independence peacefully in 1960 and is celebrated for its tradition of “Teranga” (hospitality) and as a cradle of influential music and arts movements.
