Egypt eliminate defending champions Ivory Coast while Nigeria arrange AFCON semi-final against Morocco

Mohamed Salah guided Egypt to a victory over the current title holders Ivory Coast by 3-2 in the quarter finals on Saturday at the Africa Cup of Nations, as Victor Osimhen shone for Nigeria in their 2-0 triumph against Algeria, paving the way for a meeting with the tournament hosts Morocco.

The exciting quarter final match in Agadir featured goals from Omar Marmoush and Ramy Rabia for the Pharaohs during the opening period, prior to an own goal by Ahmed Aboul-Fetouh giving the Ivorians a lifeline.

Salah added Egypts third goal shortly after the break, and they managed to withstand the pressure following Guela Doues effort that narrowed the gap once more. Egypt are scheduled to play Senegal in the semi finals on Wednesday in Tangiers.

"I must express my deep gratitude to the players. They embody the spirit of true Egyptians battling for the joy of their nation," remarked manager Hossam Hassan.

Ivory Coast mark the eighth successive champions to fail in defending their crown since Egypt managed it back in 2010.

Egypt have further solidified their superiority over Ivory Coast in AFCON encounters stretching back 56 years. The Pharaohs now hold 11 victories to the Elephants solitary success.

Salah has secured triumphs with Liverpool in the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League, and the earlier version of the Club World Cup, yet the continents top honour remains out of reach for him.

The 33 year old has finished as runner up on two occasions, following defeats in the AFCON final against Cameroon in 2017 and Senegal in 2022. He also featured in Egyptian squads that suffered surprise round of 16 departures twice.

At present, he stands just two games from fulfilling his enduring ambition of leading Egypt to an unprecedented eighth AFCON title.

Salah entered the leading African competition in Morocco under a cloud regarding his prospects at Liverpool, sparked by comments after a stalemate with Leeds United.

However, he has excelled in clinical fashion at the AFCON, netting decisive strikes versus Zimbabwe and South Africa during the group phase, followed by the clincher in the round of 16 win over Benin.

His goal on Saturday brought his tournament tally to four.

Osimhen shines brightly

Osimhen has matched that goal count, bagging one and assisting another as Nigeria dashed Algerias aspirations in the days opening fixture in Marrakesh.

Nigeria controlled the initial half without finding the net, then struck early in the second period when Osimhen nodded in a delivery from Bruno Onyemaechi within two minutes.

The 2023 African footballer of the year subsequently created the second just shy of the hour, teeing up Akor Adams who evaded the keeper to seal a comfortable lead for the Super Eagles.

"Huge congratulations to the entire squad for their outstanding display against a formidable Algeria side," stated Osimhen upon receiving the player of the match award.

"Personally, I simply fulfilled my role by competing hard for the team, aiming for goals or assists, yet the full roster merits recognition."

Silver medallists at the previous AFCON in Ivory Coast two years prior, Nigeria arrived in Morocco still reeling from missing World Cup qualification, but they now aspire to claim a fourth continental crown.

They faced a partisan crowd of 32,452 in Marrakesh, largely backing Algeria, yet the semi final atmosphere in Rabat on Wednesday promises even greater intensity.

"Morocco possess a strong team. Hosting brings immense pressure," noted Nigeria boss Eric Chelle.

"I simply wish for an enthralling contest between two excellent outfits, with victory going to the superior side."

Algeria had overcome Nigeria on their path to the 2019 Cup of Nations victory in Egypt, and this represents their strongest showing since that achievement.

Their enthusiastic following filled a venue nestled against the Atlas Mountains, buoyed by Vladimir Petkovics teams solid group stage and narrow last 16 success over the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Nonetheless, Petkovic conceded they were thoroughly outplayed, likening his side at moments to "a fighter absorbing blows while floored".

"Nigeria earned the win convincingly. They outperformed us," he concluded.