Egypt triumphed over Ivory Coast in a thrilling quarter-final match of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) held at the Grande Stade Agadir. The game took place on January 8, 2026, and saw the Egyptians display clinical precision despite having lack of possession throughout. Omar Marmoush opened the scoring in the fourth minute, showcasing Egypt's ability to capitalize on early opportunities. Ramy Rabia extended the lead to 2-0, but the Ivorians fought back, reducing the deficit with an own goal from Ahmed Fatouh. Mohamed Salah ultimately sealed the victory by scoring Egypt's third goal early in the second half, demonstrating his valuable contribution to the team's success. In spite of holding 70% possession, the Ivory Coast's inability to convert chances into goals marked their downfall, ultimately leading to their elimination from the tournament. After the match, Salah expressed his hope for Egypt's continued progress in the tournament, acknowledging the challenge posed by their next opponent, Senegal. This win propelled Egypt into the semi-finals, where they will face Senegal on January 14, 2026. With seven Africa Cup of Nations titles to their name, the Egyptians are looking to build on their record and secure another championship, although Salah noted that they are not considered the favorites, given the strength of the other semi-finalists' European-based players.