By Michael Odegbe
Ivory Coast’s dream of defending its Africa Cup of Nations title came to a painful end on Friday evening after a thrilling 3-2 quarterfinal defeat to Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
It was a night dominated by Mohamed Salah, whose class and composure sealed the match. The Pharaohs withstood constant pressure from the Elephants before attacking with devastating efficiency. The Liverpool star both scored and provided an assist, inspiring Egypt to another memorable Africa Cup of Nations victory.
A clearly disappointed Ivory Coast coach, Émerse Faé, did not hide his frustration after the match, admitting that costly errors at crucial moments had derailed his team’s ambitions.
“We are frustrated with today’s result,” Faé said. “We prepared well, but we made too many mistakes at key moments to have any hope of beating Egypt. It hurts me to concede the first goal so early, and then the second.”
Although Côte d’Ivoire managed to equalize 2-1 and briefly rekindle hope, Faé admitted that Egypt’s third goal decisively tipped the balance in the Pharaohs’ favor.
“We reacted well, but the third goal put us in serious trouble. It’s difficult to explain these mistakes,” he added.
Despite the pain, Faé praised his players’ resilience and fighting spirit, highlighting the intense finale. Midfielders Franck Kessié and Seko Fofana pressed relentlessly, and Amad Diallo was a constant threat. A late goal from Guéli Doué rekindled their belief, but Egypt’s defense, brilliantly led by goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, remained unbroken.
“We attacked with corners, crosses, and balls in the air,” Faé explained. “But Egypt held firm until the final whistle.”
The defeat abruptly halted Ivory Coast’s World Cup title defense, but Faé emphasized that the focus is now on the future. With World Cup qualifying on the horizon, the Elephants’ coach is determined to turn the disappointment into motivation.
“We will continue to work hard to prepare for the World Cup,” he said.
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