Mohamed Salah scored as Egypt won 3-2 to dump defending champions Ivory Coast out of the Africa Cup of Nations in a thrilling quarter-final on Saturday. Omar Marmoush and Ramy Rabia netted for Egypt, then Ahmed Aboul-Fetouh conceded an own goal before half-time. Salah then edged closer to a first Africa Cup of Nations winners medal by doubling the lead soon after the break before Guela Doue pulled a goal back for Ivory Coast, but it wasn't enough for the holders. The jubilant Egyptians will face Senegal on Wednesday in Tangiers with the winners meeting hosts Morocco or Nigeria four days later in the final.&nbsp;"I'm so happy with this win and reaching the semi-finals," said Salah. "I am proud to wear the Egyptian national jersey and all the players know the responsibility that comes with it."&nbsp;Egypt coach Hossam Hassan thanked his players, calling them "true Egyptians who fight for the happiness of their people".&nbsp;He added: "The success belongs to the players, starting with Salah and Marmoush, who lead the press from the front. We know there will be spaces, and our players can exploit them."&nbsp;The triumph in Agadir confirmed Egypt's AFCON dominance over Ivory Coast since they first met 56 years ago. The Pharaohs have won 11 times and the Elephants just once.&nbsp;Ivory Coast become the eighth consecutive title-holders to fail to successfully defend the title since Egypt achieved the feat in 2010.&nbsp;Salah has helped Liverpool win the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League and Club World Cup, in its previous format, but the most prized African medal has eluded him. The 33-year-old has twice been a runner-up after losses in the AFCON final to Cameroon in 2017 and Senegal five years later. Now, he is two matches away from realising his long-time dream of helping Egypt win the AFCON a record-extending eighth time.&nbsp;Salah arrived in Morocco amid uncertainty over his future at Liverpool after a post-match outburst following a draw at Leeds when he was demoted to the substitutes' bench.<h3>Clinical best</h3>&nbsp;But he has been back to his predatory best at the AFCON, scoring the winning goals against Zimbabwe and South Africa in the group stage, then the goal that sealed a last-16 victory over Benin.&nbsp;On Saturday, Egypt took the lead just 182 seconds after the kick-off through Manchester City striker Marmoush. Ivory Coast lost possession, Emam Ashour delivered a superb pass and Marmoush took advantage of Odilon Kossounou slipping to beat goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. Egypt increased their lead on 32 minutes when centre-back Rabia soared above Ibrahim Sangare to meet a Salah corner, and his looping header beat Fofana.&nbsp;The defending champions were rattled and needed to score. It came after 40 minutes when Egyptian Aboul-Fetouh conceded an own goal.&nbsp;Yan Diomande, the 19-year-old RB Leipzig striker, floated a free kick into the heart of the six-yard box, Kossounou nodded the ball goalwards and it entered the net off the midriff of Aboul-Fetouh.&nbsp;Salah restored Egypt's two-goal lead just seven minutes into the second half, and once again Ashour from African club giants Al Ahly was the creator.&nbsp;The midfielder gained possession on the left wing, and his low cross was perfectly weighted for Salah to push the ball into the net despite being under pressure from Ghislain Konan.&nbsp;Ivory Coast, who overcame a two-goal deficit to beat Gabon in a group match, once again halved the deficit after 73 minutes.&nbsp;Egypt failed to clear a corner and Doue flicked the ball past 37-year-old goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy to set up a tense finish.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Ivory Coast become the eighth consecutive title-holders to fail to successfully defend the title since Egypt achieved the feat in 2010.

Mohamed Salah scored as Egypt won 3-2 to dump defending champions Ivory Coast out of the Africa Cup of Nations in a thrilling quarter-final on Saturday. Omar Marmoush and Ramy Rabia netted for Egypt, then Ahmed Aboul-Fetouh conceded an own goal before half-time. Salah then edged closer to a first Africa Cup of Nations winners medal by doubling the lead soon after the break before Guela Doue pulled a goal back for Ivory Coast, but it wasn't enough for the holders. The jubilant Egyptians will face Senegal on Wednesday in Tangiers with the winners meeting hosts Morocco or Nigeria four days later in the final. "I'm so happy with this win and reaching the semi-finals," said Salah. "I am proud to wear the Egyptian national jersey and all the players know the responsibility that comes with it." Egypt coach Hossam Hassan thanked his players, calling them "true Egyptians who fight for the happiness of their people". He added: "The success belongs to the players, starting with Salah and Marmoush, who lead the press from the front. We know there will be spaces, and our players can exploit them." The triumph in Agadir confirmed Egypt's AFCON dominance over Ivory Coast since they first met 56 years ago. The Pharaohs have won 11 times and the Elephants just once. Ivory Coast become the eighth consecutive title-holders to fail to successfully defend the title since Egypt achieved the feat in 2010. Salah has helped Liverpool win the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League and Club World Cup, in its previous format, but the most prized African medal has eluded him. The 33-year-old has twice been a runner-up after losses in the AFCON final to Cameroon in 2017 and Senegal five years later. Now, he is two matches away from realising his long-time dream of helping Egypt win the AFCON a record-extending eighth time. Salah arrived in Morocco amid uncertainty over his future at Liverpool after a post-match outburst following a draw at Leeds when he was demoted to the substitutes' bench. Clinical best But he has been back to his predatory best at the AFCON, scoring the winning goals against Zimbabwe and South Africa in the group stage, then the goal that sealed a last-16 victory over Benin. On Saturday, Egypt took the lead just 182 seconds after the kick-off through Manchester City striker Marmoush. Ivory Coast lost possession, Emam Ashour delivered a superb pass and Marmoush took advantage of Odilon Kossounou slipping to beat goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. Egypt increased their lead on 32 minutes when centre-back Rabia soared above Ibrahim Sangare to meet a Salah corner, and his looping header beat Fofana. The defending champions were rattled and needed to score. It came after 40 minutes when Egyptian Aboul-Fetouh conceded an own goal. Yan Diomande, the 19-year-old RB Leipzig striker, floated a free kick into the heart of the six-yard box, Kossounou nodded the ball goalwards and it entered the net off the midriff of Aboul-Fetouh. Salah restored Egypt's two-goal lead just seven minutes into the second half, and once again Ashour from African club giants Al Ahly was the creator. The midfielder gained possession on the left wing, and his low cross was perfectly weighted for Salah to push the ball into the net despite being under pressure from Ghislain Konan. Ivory Coast, who overcame a two-goal deficit to beat Gabon in a group match, once again halved the deficit after 73 minutes. Egypt failed to clear a corner and Doue flicked the ball past 37-year-old goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy to set up a tense finish. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Ivory Coast become the eighth consecutive title-holders to fail to successfully defend the title since Egypt achieved the feat in 2010.

AFCON: Salah inches closer to title as Egypt thrash champions Ivory Coast

Hosts Morocco kept their dream of winning the Africa Cup of Nations in front of their own fans alive with a 2-0 victory over Cameroon in the quarter-finals on Friday, while Senegal saw off neighbours Mali to reach the last four.&nbsp;Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz made it five goals in five games at this AFCON to put Morocco in front against Cameroon in front of over 64,000 fans at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, and Ismael Saibari sealed the win in the second half.&nbsp;Morocco well worth their triumph as they progress to a semi-final against the winner of Saturday's clash between Algeria and Nigeria.&nbsp;"We need to just keep going one game at a time. We have not done anything yet," insisted Morocco coach Walid Regragui, who nevertheless also hailed a "historic" victory.&nbsp;"Moroccans have not seen their team in the semi-final of an AFCON for 22 years. They deserve it but we need to keep our feet on the ground and make it even more historic."&nbsp;The semi-final promises to be a stiffer test for Morocco than that posed by Cameroon, who were hoping to spring an upset having already perhaps exceeded expectations in coming this far after a troubled build-up to the tournament.&nbsp;The Indomitable Lions, five-time African champions, created little with Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo struggling to make an impact.&nbsp;"We are satisfied with the boys because they have given a lot of emotion to the Cameroonian people and that was the aim," insisted coach David Pagou, who only took over the team in the run-up to the tournament.&nbsp;Morocco, Africa's top-ranked nation and World Cup semi-finalists in 2022, are under enormous pressure to win the trophy in front of their own fans, half a century after their last continental title.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;There have been doubts as to whether they can handle the weight of expectation, but they remain on course to achieve their objective –- it is the first time Morocco have reached the AFCON semi-finals since they lost the 2004 final to Tunisia.&nbsp;Morocco were beaten by Cameroon in the semi-finals the last time they hosted AFCON in 1988, but a repeat outcome never really looked likely.&nbsp;The hosts went ahead on 26 minutes when Achraf Hakimi's corner was headed towards goal by Ayoub El Kaabi at the near post, and the ball went in off Diaz.&nbsp;That calmed a frenetic home support, who cheered their team off at the break and then saw Saibari seal the victory in the 74th minute.&nbsp;The PSV Eindhoven midfielder controlled Abde Ezzalzouli's dead-ball delivery at the back post before firing in, as Morocco march on to Wednesday's semis.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a><h2>Ndiaye sinks Mali</h2>Senegal, the second-best African team in the world rankings behind Morocco, were seen as the biggest threat to the hosts before the tournament and they are also through to the semis.&nbsp;The 2022 champions beat 10-man Mali 1-0 in a West African derby in Tangiers thanks to a first-half goal from Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye.&nbsp;The goal came on 27 minutes and followed a blunder by Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, who allowed Krepin Diatta's cross to slip under his body before Ndiaye struck the loose ball into the net.&nbsp;Then, for the second successive knockout match, Mali were reduced to 10 men before half-time with captain Yves Bissouma shown a second yellow card for a foul on Idrissa Gana Gueye.&nbsp;Diarra atoned for his first-half blunder by making several superb saves to keep Mali in the game, but one goal was enough for Senegal.&nbsp;Seeking a third final appearance in four editions, the Lions of Teranga will face title-holders Ivory Coast or record seven-time winners Egypt, who meet on Saturday, in the semi-finals.&nbsp;Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said: "It was not an easy match against a talented Mali team. Had we been more clinical in front of goal we could have scored more goals."&nbsp;"It was a difficult match for us because we had to play (half) of it with 10 men," said Mali coach Tom Saintfiet. "I am proud of the players for what they did, not only tonight but throughout the AFCON."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Morocco well worth their triumph as they progress to a semi-final against the winner of Saturday's clash between Algeria and Nigeria.

Hosts Morocco kept their dream of winning the Africa Cup of Nations in front of their own fans alive with a 2-0 victory over Cameroon in the quarter-finals on Friday, while Senegal saw off neighbours Mali to reach the last four. Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz made it five goals in five games at this AFCON to put Morocco in front against Cameroon in front of over 64,000 fans at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, and Ismael Saibari sealed the win in the second half. Morocco well worth their triumph as they progress to a semi-final against the winner of Saturday's clash between Algeria and Nigeria. "We need to just keep going one game at a time. We have not done anything yet," insisted Morocco coach Walid Regragui, who nevertheless also hailed a "historic" victory. "Moroccans have not seen their team in the semi-final of an AFCON for 22 years. They deserve it but we need to keep our feet on the ground and make it even more historic." The semi-final promises to be a stiffer test for Morocco than that posed by Cameroon, who were hoping to spring an upset having already perhaps exceeded expectations in coming this far after a troubled build-up to the tournament. The Indomitable Lions, five-time African champions, created little with Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo struggling to make an impact. "We are satisfied with the boys because they have given a lot of emotion to the Cameroonian people and that was the aim," insisted coach David Pagou, who only took over the team in the run-up to the tournament. Morocco, Africa's top-ranked nation and World Cup semi-finalists in 2022, are under enormous pressure to win the trophy in front of their own fans, half a century after their last continental title. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes There have been doubts as to whether they can handle the weight of expectation, but they remain on course to achieve their objective –- it is the first time Morocco have reached the AFCON semi-finals since they lost the 2004 final to Tunisia. Morocco were beaten by Cameroon in the semi-finals the last time they hosted AFCON in 1988, but a repeat outcome never really looked likely. The hosts went ahead on 26 minutes when Achraf Hakimi's corner was headed towards goal by Ayoub El Kaabi at the near post, and the ball went in off Diaz. That calmed a frenetic home support, who cheered their team off at the break and then saw Saibari seal the victory in the 74th minute. The PSV Eindhoven midfielder controlled Abde Ezzalzouli's dead-ball delivery at the back post before firing in, as Morocco march on to Wednesday's semis. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Ndiaye sinks Mali Senegal, the second-best African team in the world rankings behind Morocco, were seen as the biggest threat to the hosts before the tournament and they are also through to the semis. The 2022 champions beat 10-man Mali 1-0 in a West African derby in Tangiers thanks to a first-half goal from Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye. The goal came on 27 minutes and followed a blunder by Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, who allowed Krepin Diatta's cross to slip under his body before Ndiaye struck the loose ball into the net. Then, for the second successive knockout match, Mali were reduced to 10 men before half-time with captain Yves Bissouma shown a second yellow card for a foul on Idrissa Gana Gueye. Diarra atoned for his first-half blunder by making several superb saves to keep Mali in the game, but one goal was enough for Senegal. Seeking a third final appearance in four editions, the Lions of Teranga will face title-holders Ivory Coast or record seven-time winners Egypt, who meet on Saturday, in the semi-finals. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said: "It was not an easy match against a talented Mali team. Had we been more clinical in front of goal we could have scored more goals." "It was a difficult match for us because we had to play (half) of it with 10 men," said Mali coach Tom Saintfiet. "I am proud of the players for what they did, not only tonight but throughout the AFCON." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Morocco well worth their triumph as they progress to a semi-final against the winner of Saturday's clash between Algeria and Nigeria.

AFCON: Hosts Morocco march on to semis as Senegal book last four spot

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AFCON: Salah inches closer to title as Egypt thrash champions Ivory Coast

AFCON: Hosts Morocco march on to semis as Senegal book last four spot