Egypt kept their quest for a record-extending eighth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) crown firmly on track after edging Ivory Coast 3–2 in a thrilling encounter at the Stade Adrar. The Pharaohs showcased resilience, clinical finishing, and tactical discipline to overcome a dominant Ivorian side in a pulsating contest.
The North Africans made a dream start, stunning the defending champions inside four minutes. A seemingly harmless ball into the box from Emam Ashour caused confusion in the Ivorian defence, and Omar Marmoush reacted quickest, winning a 50-50 challenge before calmly slotting past Yahia Fofana to give Egypt an early lead.
Ivory Coast responded with purpose, enjoying most of the possession and forcing Egypt into a compact defensive shape. Evann Guessand went close to equalising when he rose to meet a dangerous cross, but his header drifted narrowly wide.
Despite the Elephants’ dominance, Egypt struck again against the run of play just after the half-hour mark. Mohamed Salah’s corner was met by Ramy Rabia, whose looping header sailed into the top right corner to double Egypt’s advantage.
Ivory Coast were rewarded for their pressure five minutes before the break when a dangerous free-kick was deflected into the net by Ahmed Fatouh, giving the defending champions a vital lifeline heading into half-time.
The second half saw Ivory Coast push relentlessly for an equaliser, but Egypt’s organisation, experience, and composure allowed them to weather the storm. At the crucial moment, the Pharaohs found a decisive third goal to restore their two-goal cushion and put the contest beyond reach.
The defeat means Ivory Coast have once again failed to defend their AFCON crown, extending a trend that has persisted since Egypt last managed the feat in 2010.
For Egypt, the victory keeps alive their hopes of ending a long wait for continental glory as they now prepare for a blockbuster showdown against 2021 champions Senegal, led by Sadio Mané, in a mouth-watering clash for a place in the next round.
