Egypt secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Friday, with Mohamed Salah scoring the decisive goal. The seven-time champions took an early lead in Agadir when Omar Marmoush capitalised on a defensive error from Odilon Kossounou to slot home within four minutes.
Rami Rabia doubled Egypt's advantage with a looping header, but Ivory Coast pulled one back before half-time through an own goal by Ahmed Abou El Fotouh. The second half saw Salah restore Egypt's two-goal cushion, turning in Emam Ashour's cross to make it 3-1. Guela Doue's late finish set up a tense finale, but Egypt held on to book a semi-final clash with Senegal.
Former Nigeria international Jay Jay Okocha praised Salah's performance, describing his goal as a "9/10" and noting the forward's ability to perform at a high level despite recent criticism. Egypt will face Senegal in the semi-finals next week, with the tournament continuing to be broadcast live in the UK on Channel 4.
