In a stunning upset that has the football world buzzing, Egypt has dethroned the reigning champions, Ivory Coast, in a heart-stopping 3-2 victory, securing their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semifinals. But here’s where it gets even more thrilling: this win sets the stage for a high-stakes clash with Senegal, the 2021 champions, in Tangier on Wednesday. And this is the part most people miss—Egypt is now one step closer to claiming their record-extending eighth AFCON title, a feat that would cement their legacy in African football history.
Published on 10 January 2026, this match was a rollercoaster from start to finish. Liverpool’s star forward, Mohamed Salah, delivered yet again, scoring his fourth goal of the tournament in the 52nd minute. His strike was Egypt’s third of the game, but it wasn’t enough to make the Pharaohs comfortable. Ivory Coast, the defending champions, refused to go down without a fight, twice narrowing the gap to a single goal. Was this a case of Egypt’s brilliance or Ivory Coast’s missed opportunities? Let’s dive into the details.
The drama began early when Franck Kessie’s poor touch in midfield gifted Egypt possession, leading to Omar Marmoush’s opener in just the fourth minute. Ramy Rabia then doubled the lead with a powerful header from a corner in the 32nd minute. But Ivory Coast struck back five minutes before halftime, with Ahmed Abou El Fotouh inadvertently bundling the ball into his own net from a Yan Diomande free kick. Salah’s goal early in the second half seemed to seal the deal, but Guela Doue’s 73rd-minute heel flick kept the Ivorians’ hopes alive—though the equalizer never materialized.
Here’s the controversial part: While Egypt celebrated their hard-fought win, questions linger about Ivory Coast’s performance. Did their slow start cost them the game, or was Egypt simply the better team on the day? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
Meanwhile, in other AFCON news, three-time champions Nigeria have also booked their semifinal spot after a 2-0 win over Algeria. The Super Eagles are chasing their first title since 2013, hoping to redeem themselves after missing out on the World Cup. They’ll face Morocco, whose coach has already made headlines by rejecting claims of referee bias. Will Nigeria’s quest for glory end in triumph, or will Morocco stand in their way? Only time will tell.
As the tournament heats up, one thing is clear: AFCON 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most unforgettable editions yet. Who do you think will lift the trophy? Let the debates begin!
