Egypt's Salah Scores as Pharaohs Reach AFCON Semifinals

Mohamed Salah is two victories away from completing his trophy collection after Egypt beat Ivory Coast 3-2 to advance to the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals.

The Liverpool star has won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup. But the AFCON trophy has remained just out of reach despite two finals appearances in 2017 and 2022.

Egypt exploded out of the gates in Saturday's quarter-final in Agadir, with Manchester City striker Omar Marmoush scoring just three minutes after kickoff. Defender Ramy Rabia added a second goal on 32 minutes with a soaring header from a Salah corner.

Ivory Coast pulled one back before halftime through an own goal, but Salah restored the two-goal cushion seven minutes into the second half. The midfielder Emam Ashour created the opportunity with a perfectly weighted cross that Salah pushed into the net.

Ivory Coast's Guela Doue scored in the 73rd minute to make it 3-2 and set up a tense finish. But Egypt held firm to secure their spot in Wednesday's semifinal against Senegal in Tangiers.

The win extended Egypt's remarkable dominance over Ivory Coast in AFCON history. The Pharaohs have now beaten the Elephants 11 times since their first meeting 56 years ago, with Ivory Coast managing just one victory.

Why This Inspires

Salah arrived at this tournament amid controversy after being dropped to Liverpool's bench and publicly claiming he'd been "thrown under the bus." Instead of letting the drama derail him, the 33-year-old has responded with his best form of the season.

He's scored match-winners in three of Egypt's four victories so far, reminding everyone why he's considered one of Africa's greatest ever players. Now he has a chance to add the one honor that matters most to him.

Egypt will face Senegal on Wednesday, with the winner meeting either hosts Morocco or Nigeria in Sunday's final. If the Pharaohs win both matches, they'll claim a record-extending eighth AFCON title and give their captain the medal he's dreamed about his entire career.