The Pharaohs of Egypt will face Senegal’s Lions of Teranga in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a 3-2 win against defending champions Ivory Coast in their quarterfinal clash on Saturday night.

Egypt grabbed the lead only four minutes into the encounter through Omar Marmoush from an assist by Emam Ashour to set the tone for the match before Rami Rabia doubled the advantage in the 32nd minute, as he only had to tap a through pass from Mohammed Salah into the net.

However, eight minutes later, Ivory Coast pulled one back after Ahmed Abou El Fotouh guided a free kick by the Ivorians into his own net to renew the Elephants’ hopes heading into the second half.

Unfazed by the Ivorians’ fresh momentum, Egypt scored again seven minutes into the second half when Salah, from the centre of the box, fired home a pass by Ashour to regain the two-goal advantage.

Following persistent pressure, Ivory Coast again reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute when Guéla Doué back-heeled a loose ball inside the Egyptians’ box into the roof of the net, giving the West African country a reason to push again.

In the final minutes, Ivory Coast relentlessly pursued an equaliser, but Egypt, on the other end, fought aggressively to protect the lead, as the Pharaohs secured the last spot in the semifinals.

Egypt will face familiar foe Senegal in a semifinal clash on Wednesday for a place in the final of this year’s tournament.