Egypt forward Mohamed Salah celebrates his goal on Saturday against Ivory Coast in the AFCON quarterfinals. Picture: Franck Fife/AFP Mohamed Salah scored as Egypt won 3-2 to dump defending champions Ivory Coast out of the Africa Cup of Nations in a thrilling quarterfinal on Saturday. Omar Marmoush and Ramy Rabia netted for Egypt, then Ahmed Aboul-Fetouh conceded an own goal before half-time.
Salah then edged closer to a first Africa Cup of Nations winners medal by doubling the lead soon after the break before Guela Doue pulled a goal back for Ivory Coast, but it wasn’t enough for the holders. The jubilant Egyptians will face Senegal on Wednesday in Tangiers with the winners meeting hosts Morocco or Nigeria four days later in the final. “I’m so happy with this win and reaching the semifinals,” said Salah.
“I am proud to wear the Egyptian national jersey and all the players know the responsibility that comes with it.” Egypt coach Hossam Hassan thanked his players, calling them “true Egyptians who fight for the happiness of their people”. He added: “The success belongs to the players, starting with Salah and Marmoush, who lead the press from the front. We know there will be spaces, and our players can exploit them.” The triumph in Agadir confirmed Egypt’s AFCON dominance over Ivory Coast since they first met 56 years ago.
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The Pharaohs have won 11 times and the Elephants just once. Ivory Coast become the eighth consecutive title-holders to fail to successfully defend the title since Egypt achieved the feat in 2010. Salah has helped Liverpool win the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League and Club World Cup, in its previous format, but the most prized African medal has eluded him.
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