Mohamed Salah is two wins away from his first Africa Cup of Nations title after Egypt dumped defending champions Ivory Coast out in a 3-2 quarter-final classic on Saturday.
The Pharaohs took an early lead through Omar Marmoush (3′) and Ramy Rabia (32′) before an Ahmed Aboul-Fetouh own goal gave the holders hope before halftime.
Mohamed Salah restored the two-goal cushion early in the second half, and while Guela Doue pulled one back in the 73rd minute, Egypt held on to advance.
Ivory Coast becomes the eighth straight title-holder to fail a defense.
Salah, a two-time runner-up, is chasing a record-extending eighth title for Egypt.
Egypt faces Senegal this Wednesday in Tangiers for a spot in the final.
“They are true Egyptians who fight for the happiness of their people,” said coach Hossam Hassan. “The success belongs to the players.”
