Salah’s Brilliance New Propels Egypt to AFCON 2025 Semis
The magic of Mohamed Salah has once again carried Egypt to the final stages of a major tournament. On Saturday, January 10, 2026, the Pharaohs faced off against the defending champions, Ivory Coast, in a massive quarter-final clash. In a game filled with goals and tension, Egypt emerged victorious with a 3-2 win at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir, Morocco. Salah’s Brilliance
Salah was the heart of the team, scoring the decisive goal and providing a key assist. This victory means the record seven-time winners are now just two steps away from an eighth title. For Salah, this win brings him closer to the one trophy that has always eluded his legendary career.
An Electric Start in Agadir
The match began with incredible energy from the Egyptian side. Within just four minutes, Omar Marmoush gave the Pharaohs a dream start. He pounced on a mistake in the Ivorian midfield and fired a low shot past the goalkeeper. This early goal put the defending champions on the back foot right away.
Egypt looked sharp and hungry for more, using their speed to stretch the Ivorian defense. It was clear from the opening whistle that the record-holders were ready to dethrone the kings. This early spark set the tone for a night of high-drama football.
Doubling the Lead with Style
After the first goal, Egypt did not sit back and defend. They continued to push forward and earned a corner in the 32nd minute. Mohamed Salah stepped up and delivered a perfect cross into the box. Veteran defender Ramy Rabia rose above everyone else to score a looping header.
The ball sailed over the keeper and into the net, making it 2-0 for Egypt. At this point, it looked like the Pharaohs might run away with the game. Salah’s delivery was world-class, showing why he is considered one of the best in the world.
A Lifeline for the Elephants
Just as Egypt seemed to be in total control, the Ivorians fought back. In the 40th minute, a wicked cross from Yan Diomande caused chaos in the Egyptian box. While trying to clear the ball, defender Ahmed Abou El Fotouh accidentally turned it into his own net.
This own goal gave Ivory Coast a massive lifeline just before the halftime break. The momentum shifted instantly, and the “Elephants” began to believe they could save their title. The score was now 2-1, and the fans in the stadium were on the edge of their seats.
The King Responds After the Break
The second half started with the same intensity as the first. In the 52nd minute, Mohamed Salah decided to take matters into his own hands. Following a brilliant run by Emam Ashour, Salah found himself in a dangerous position inside the area. He timed his run perfectly to meet Ashour’s low cross and guided it into the bottom corner.
This goal restored Egypt’s two-goal cushion and marked Salah’s fourth goal of the tournament. The “King” had responded at the exact moment his team needed him most. It was a masterclass in clinical finishing from the Liverpool star.
A Frantic Finish to the Match
Despite being down 3-1, the defending champions refused to surrender. They laid siege to the Egyptian goal for the final twenty minutes of the match. In the 73rd minute, Guela Doue scored after a scramble in the box to make it 3-2. This goal set up a frantic and nervous finish for the Pharaohs.
Ivory Coast threw everything they had at the Egyptian defense, including their goalkeeper. However, the Egyptian backline, led by Mohamed El Shenawy, held firm against the pressure. Every clearance was met with cheers from the traveling Egyptian supporters.
Egypt Ends the Holders’ Reign
When the final whistle blew, the celebrations in Agadir were massive. Egypt had successfully knocked out the reigning champions and reached their sixth straight AFCON semi-final. For Ivory Coast, the dream of a successful title defense came to a heartbreaking end.
They became the eighth consecutive holder to fail to defend the trophy. Egypt’s efficiency in front of the goal was the “X-factor” that made the difference. While the Ivorians had more of the ball, the Pharaohs had the finishing touch. This victory reinforces Egypt’s reputation as a powerhouse in African football.
Post-Match Pride and Reaction
After the game, Mohamed Salah expressed his pride in his teammates. He said he was “very happy” to play with such a dedicated group of players. Coach Hossam Hassan also praised the squad’s tactical discipline and hard work. He noted that they respected the champions but followed their game plan perfectly.
“Every match is like a final for us,” Hassan told reporters during the press conference. The mood in the Egyptian camp is one of high confidence and unity. They believe that this is finally their year to bring the trophy back to Cairo.
The Quest for an Eighth Title
Egypt is now just two matches away from winning a record-extending eighth AFCON title. They haven’t won the competition since their historic “three-peat” ended in 2010. For a nation that loves football so much, the wait has been very long. Salah has twice been a runner-up, losing in the finals of 2017 and 2021.
This tournament feels like his best chance to finally secure the “most prized” African medal. The “energy” from the win against Ivory Coast will be vital for the challenges ahead. The entire nation of Egypt is now dreaming of glory.
A Blockbuster Semi-Final Awaits
The reward for beating Ivory Coast is a mouthwatering semi-final against Senegal. This match will see Mohamed Salah go up against his former teammate, Sadio Mane. It is a repeat of the 2021 final, which Senegal won on penalties. Egypt will be looking for “revenge” after that painful loss and their missed World Cup ticket. Salah’s Brilliance
The game is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, in Tangier. It is being called the “Final before the Final” by many football experts. Fans across the world are already marking their calendars for this heavyweight showdown. Salah’s Brilliance
Looking Toward the Final in Rabat Salah’s Brilliance
If Egypt can move past Senegal, they will reach the final on January 18 in Rabat. They would face either the hosts, Morocco, or the star-studded Nigerian team. Both paths are difficult, but the Pharaohs have proven they can beat the best. With Salah in top form, anything is possible for this Egyptian side. They have shown resilience, tactical intelligence, and a clinical edge in Morocco. Salah’s Brilliance
As the tournament reaches its climax, the “Pharaohs’ march” continues with full force. All eyes will be on Tangier this Wednesday to see if the king can reach the throne.Mohamed Salah’s performance against Ivory Coast was a reminder of his greatness. By leading Egypt to a 3-2 victory, he has kept the dream of an eighth title alive. The match was a classic encounter that showed the true passion of African football. Salah’s Brilliance
While the defending champions fought hard, they could not stop the efficiency of the Pharaohs. Now, a massive battle against Senegal stands between Egypt and the final. We must hope for another thrilling game as the world’s best African players meet on the pitch. For Salah and Egypt, the quest for glory is truly in its final phase. Salah’s Brilliance
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