AFCON 2025: Egypt Send Côte d’Ivoire Packing

AFCON 2025: Egypt Send Côte d’Ivoire Packing

Sampson Adedeji

The Pharaohs of Egypt continued their dominance over Côte d’Ivoire after eliminating the defending champions from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The seven-time African champions once again proved too strong for the Elephants, securing a thrilling 3–2 victory to book their place in the next round of the competition.

Egypt got off to a bright start when Omar Marmoush opened the scoring early in the encounter, setting the tone for an intense contest. 

Rami Rabiaa doubled the Pharaohs’ advantage before the break, putting Côte d’Ivoire under serious pressure.

The defending champions pulled one back in the second half after an own goal by Ahmed Fattouh reduced the deficit. 

However, Mohamed Salah restored Egypt’s two-goal cushion with a well-taken third goal, reaffirming his side’s control of the game.

Côte d’Ivoire responded late through Guéla Doué, who made it 3–2, but the comeback attempt came too late as Egypt held firm until the final whistle.

The result underlined Egypt’s recent superiority over Côte d’Ivoire and ended the Elephants’ title defence, while the Pharaohs marched on in their quest for a record-extending eighth AFCON crown.