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Egypt vs Ivory Coast live: Salah goal dumps holders out of competition as Pharaohs book semi-final spot

Egypt 3-2 Ivory Coast: Mo Salah’s goal proves the difference as Pharaohs dump holders out of Afcon and set up semi-final against Senegal

(AFP via Getty Images)

A second-half goal from Mo Salah gave Egypt a hard-fought victory over Ivory Coast in a dramatic quarter-final tie in the Africa Cup of Nations.

The seven-time winners got off to the perfect start in Agadir, with Omar Marmoush pouncing on a mistake from Odilon Kossounou to slide in the opener within four minutes.

And the Pharaohs found themselves two ahead soon enough, with Rami Rabia rising to loop a superb header over Fofana in goal, but Yan Diomande gave Ivory Coast a lifeline before half-time as his free-kick was turned into his own net by Ahmed Abou El Fotouh.

However, while the Elephants finished the second half on top, they found themselves two down once again after the break, Mohamed Salah turning in Emam Ashour’s cross to make it 3-1.

There was plenty of time left for the holders to fight back but they struggled in attack, and while Guela Doue’s improvised finish gave them hope late, it was Salah’s goal that proved the difference as the Pharaohs set up a semi-final against Senegal next week.

Follow all the reaction from the Afcon 2025 quarter-final between Egypt and Ivory Coast below.

Afcon 2025: Fixtures, results and quarter-final schedule in full from Africa Cup of Nations

Here is the schedule and kick-off times for the semi-finals and beyond:

Afcon 2025: Fixtures, results, tables and schedule in full from Africa Cup of Nations

Morocco host the 24-nation tournament as Ivory Coast return to defend their crown
Chris Wilson10 January 2026 22:00

'Salah will be really, really happy'

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has also been relfecting on the result.

“Mo Salah will be really, really happy with his contribution. He's free, he's relaxed and he's playing well,” he says on E4.

“I hope he takes this form back to Liverpool because there's been a lot of criticism that he's not playing well for Liverpool.

“He carries the weight of expectations for Liverpool and his national team on his shoulders,” he adds.

Chris Wilson10 January 2026 21:50

Afcon 2025: How to watch every match for free on TV and online

The Africa Cup of Nations is hotting up with the knockout stages bringing drama and every game will be available to watch in the United Kingdom across Channel 4.

The broadcaster has secured exclusive rights to the 24-team tournament and will show every game on Channel 4, E4 or 4Seven, or online on Channel 4’s streaming service.

How to watch every Africa Cup of Nations match

Morocco host the tournament and are also the favourites, ahead of Senegal and defending champions Ivory Coast
Chris Wilson10 January 2026 21:40

Okocha: Salah 'a player we're all proud of'

Former Nigeria international Jay Jay Okocha is speaking after the match on E4.

“Credit to Egypt, who came to the party from the outset and controlled the game,” he says.

“They made it difficult by letting Ivory Coast into it, but they showed more desire.

“What a goal by Mohamed Salah. It's a 9/10 goal. You can't doubt Salah's ability to keep performing at this level. He looks like a young Mo Salah.

“We've all witnessed the dip in form but it happens and it's not enough to write off what he's done for Egypt and Liverpool over the years.

“You can't strike off the history he's made and he keeps chasing it. He's a player we're all proud of,” he adds.

Chris Wilson10 January 2026 21:30

FULL-TIME! Egypt 3-2 Ivory Coast

Contrasting emotions at full-time...

(AP)
(REUTERS)
Chris Wilson10 January 2026 21:25

Afcon schedule

Here’s the remaining schedule for the tournament then:

Semi-finals: Wednesday, 14 January

SF1: Senegal vs Egypt, Tangier (17:00)

SF2: Morocco vs Nigeria, Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat (20:00)

Third place play-off: Saturday, 17 January

SF1 vs SF2 losers, Casablanca (16:00)

Final: Sunday, 18 January

SF1 vs SF2 winners, Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat (19:00)

Chris Wilson10 January 2026 21:20

Salah: 'We have to just carry on'

Mo Salah briefly speaks on E4 after that huge win.

“Hopefully we go through the next game as well, but we gave it our best,” he explains.

“The only thing I’ll say is we fight so hard, so I’m glad I see that from the players and mangers. We have to just carry on and be our best as a team,” he adds.

(AP)
Chris Wilson10 January 2026 21:10

FULL-TIME! Egypt 3-2 Ivory Coast

(REUTERS)
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
Chris Wilson10 January 2026 21:02

FULL-TIME! Egypt 3-2 Ivory Coast

The full-time whistle goes and Egypt have done it again! They have another win over Ivory Coast and dump the holders out of the tournament!

Chris Wilson10 January 2026 20:55

Egypt 3-2 Ivory Coast

90 +4 mins

Egypt doing well to break up play late on here. Is there time for a final chance?

Chris Wilson10 January 2026 20:54

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