Mohamed Salah praised Egypt’s display as a “perfect win” after the Pharaohs edged defending
champions Ivory Coast 3-2 on Saturday to reach the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of
Nations.
Salah scored Egypt’s third goal to seal the victory, ending Ivory Coast’s title defence and setting
a new AFCON record by scoring against 11 different national teams at the tournament.
“It was a perfect win, but as I said before, we are fighting for our country,” Salah told CAF
media. “Hopefully we go through the next game as well. It’s against a tough opponent, but we
will give our best.”
The Liverpool forward added that Egypt’s determination has been key. “We are fighting so hard.
You can see the players, nobody is holding anything. We are just carrying on.”
Salah also moved level with coach Hossam Hassan on 11 AFCON goals and is now one goal
away from becoming Egypt’s outright top scorer at the finals.
Looking ahead to Wednesday’s semi-final clash with Senegal in Tangier, a repeat of the 2021
final, the 33-year-old played down Egypt’s favourite status.
“We are not 100 percent the favourites,” he told beIN Sports. “Most of our players are from the
domestic league, but we are trying our best because we love our country. Senegal have a strong
squad that plays at a high level in Europe, but I hope we can achieve victory.”
“Perfect Win” — Salah Hails Egypt After Cote d’Ivoire Win
