The Pharaohs of Egypt continued their recent dominance over Côte d’Ivoire after eliminating the defending champions from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a dramatic 3–2 victory in Morocco, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.
The seven-time African champions delivered a composed and clinical performance to end the Elephants’ title defence and book their place in the next round of the competition.
Egypt made their intentions clear from the opening exchanges and were rewarded with an early breakthrough when Omar Marmoush found the back of the net to give the Pharaohs the lead. The early goal settled Egypt into their rhythm, allowing them to dictate the tempo of the contest and apply sustained pressure on the Ivorian defence.
Côte d’Ivoire struggled to cope with Egypt’s intensity and organisation, and their problems deepened before half-time when Rami Rabiaa doubled the advantage. The defender rose highest to convert from close range, sending Egypt into the break with a commanding two-goal cushion and leaving the defending champions with a mountain to climb.
The Elephants showed renewed determination after the restart and were handed a lifeline when an own goal by Ahmed Fattouh reduced the deficit. The goal injected belief into Côte d’Ivoire’s play, as they pushed forward in search of an equaliser and began to ask more questions of the Egyptian backline.
However, Egypt responded with the composure of seasoned champions. Mohamed Salah restored his side’s two-goal advantage with a well-taken finish, reasserting Egypt’s control and underlining their attacking quality at crucial moments. The Liverpool forward’s goal proved decisive, even though Côte d’Ivoire refused to surrender.
Guéla Doué pulled one back late on to make it 3–2 and set up a tense finish, but Egypt managed the closing stages with experience and discipline, seeing out the game to secure a famous win.
The result once again highlighted Egypt’s superiority over Côte d’Ivoire in recent AFCON meetings and brought an end to the Elephants’ reign as champions. For the Pharaohs, the victory keeps alive their pursuit of a record-extending eighth Africa Cup of Nations title as they continue their march through the tournament.