In a pulsating Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash in Agadir, Egypt ended the reign of defending champions Ivory Coast with a dramatic 3-2 victory on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The win, powered by a goal from captain Mohamed Salah, edges the legendary forward closer to the continental crown that has eluded him throughout his storied career.
A Dream Start and a Defensive Blunder
The Pharaohs exploded out of the blocks, taking the lead after just 182 seconds. A costly loss of possession by the Elephants was punished ruthlessly. Emam Ashour delivered a superb pass to Omar Marmoush, and the Manchester City striker capitalized on a slip by defender Odilon Kossounou to slot past goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.
Egypt doubled their advantage on the 32-minute mark through centre-back Ramy Rabia. He rose highest at the far post to meet a perfectly delivered corner from Mohamed Salah, looping a header over Fofana to stun the title holders.
Just before the break, Ivory Coast found a lifeline in fortuitous circumstances. A 40th-minute own goal by Egyptian defender Ahmed Aboul-Fetouh halved the deficit. A floated free-kick from Yan Diomande was nodded goalwards by Kossounou, and the ball deflected off Aboul-Fetouh's midriff into the net.
Salah Seizes Control, But Elephants Fight Back
The second half was only seven minutes old when Egypt restored their two-goal cushion, and it was their talisman who delivered. Once again, Emam Ashour was the creator, winning the ball on the left and curling a low, precise cross into the box. Under pressure from Ghislain Konan, Salah showed his class to guide the ball home.
True to their champion spirit, Ivory Coast refused to surrender. After 73 minutes, they set up a tense finale. Egypt failed to clear a corner effectively, and substitute Guela Doue reacted quickest to flick the ball past veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
Despite late pressure, Egypt's defence held firm to secure a famous victory and a place in the semi-finals.
The Road to Glory and Historical Dominance
This triumph in Agadir further cemented Egypt's historical dominance over their West African rivals. The Pharaohs have now won 11 of their encounters, with Ivory Coast managing just a single victory since they first met 56 years ago.
More broadly, the result means Ivory Coast become the eighth consecutive title-holders unable to defend their crown since Egypt themselves achieved the feat back in 2010.
For Mohamed Salah, the quest for the Africa Cup of Nations is deeply personal. Despite winning almost every major club honour with Liverpool, the 33-year-old has twice been a runner-up (2017 and 2022) and suffered shock early exits. He is now just two matches away from realizing his dream of leading Egypt to a record-extending eighth AFCON title.
Egypt will face Senegal in the semi-final on Wednesday in Tangiers. The winner of that match will meet either hosts Morocco or Nigeria in the final on January 18, 2026.
