Egypt, Nigeria head into AFCON semis

Sunday, 11 January 2026 10:17

By Reuters

Omar Marmoush netted the opener and Mohamed Salah scored the decisive goal as Egypt ended Ivory Coast’s reign with a narrow 3-2 triumph in Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final, while Nigeria overcame Algeria 2-0.

Centre back Rami Rabia was the other scorer for the Egyptians, who had little possession at the Grande Stade Agadir but took their chances with clinical precision and held on grimly to book a semi-final meeting with Senegal on Wednesday.

An own goal from Ahmed Fatouh and a late effort by Guela Doue proved insufficient for the Ivory Coast, winners of the tournament on home soil two years ago but now deposed as African champions.

Earlier on Saturday, Nigeria overpowered Algeria 2-0 in Marrakech and will take on hosts Morocco in the other semi-final.

More from Sports News

Medvedev turns up the aggression to beat De Jong at Australian Open

Former world number one Daniil Medvedev has begun his Australian Open campaign with a 7-5 6-2 7-6(2) victory over Jesper de Jong to move into the second round on Monday.
Senegal win Afcon title after farcical scenes over penalty award

Senegal has stormed off the field in protest at a penalty awarded against them before returning to beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time and win the Africa Cup of Nations amid farcical scenes in Sunday’s final.
Gauff advances in Melbourne as Auger-Aliassime makes pained exit

Coco Gauff kicked off her bid for a maiden Australian Open title with a thumping first-round win on Monday but men's contender Felix Auger-Aliassime exited abruptly with a bout of cramp on a hot afternoon at Melbourne Park.
Spain’s Nacho Elvira wins Dubai Invitational 2026

Spain’s Nacho Elvira has secured the Dubai Invitational title on Sunday, earning his first European Tour win of 2026.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed attends 200-km Elite Cycling Race

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, has attended key stages of the Elite Race held under the 10th Al Salam Cycling Championship on Sunday, with winners claiming prizes worth AED 1 million.