Egypt 3-2 Ivory Coast: Salah and Marmoush on target as Pharaohs eliminate AFCON holders

Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush were on the scoresheet as Egypt knocked out Africa Cup of Nations holders Ivory Coast to progress to the semi-finals.

The Liverpool and Manchester City stars found the net either side of a Ramy Rabia header for the Pharaohs as the competition’s most successful side booked their place in the last four and set up a showdown with Senegal.

An Ahmed Abou El Fotouh own goal and Guela Doue twice reduced Egypt’s lead but the Ivory Coast were unable to find an equaliser and Hossam Hassan’s men marched on.

Two Premier League stars on target

Egypt got off to the perfect start in Agadir, Marmoush firing the Pharaohs ahead inside four minutes after Ivory Coast were caught overplaying in midfield. 

After a frenetic start, Amad Diallo saw an effort in the box blocked as the holders looked for a way back into the contest. 

But the Elephants soon fell further behind when Salah’s corner on 32 minutes found the head of Rabia. 

The 32-year-old defender rose highest and made no mistake from close range to give Egypt a commanding lead. 

Seven minutes later, Ivory Coast halved the deficit when a wicked delivery from Diomande was bundled into his own net by El Fotouh.

But Egypt’s two-goal cushion was restored shortly after the break when Salah finished well from Emam Ashour’s low delivery after Rabia’s sweeping pass found the attacking midfielder down the left.

Ivory Coast again hit back courtesy of Doue’s improvised flick after a scramble in the box following a corner.

But Emerse Fae’s side could not force a leveller and Egypt held on to move one step closer to lifting what would be their eighth AFCON title.