—- Nigeria and Egypt, in Marrakech and Agadir, merged victorious in dramatic fashion in their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, booking their spots in the last four with contrasting styles and fortunes.

Agadir saw Egypt edged out defending champions Ivory Coast 3–2.

From the outset, Egypt took the game to the Elephants, scoring early through Omar Marmoush in the fourth minute. The goal set the tone for an end-to-end battle, with both sides trading chances and momentum throughout.

Egypt’s second arrived on the half-hour mark via Rami Rabia, whose towering header doubled the lead and silenced the Ivorian defence temporarily. However, Ivory Coast responded strongly in the second half. Their comeback began with an own goal by Ahmed Fatouh, a cruel twist of fate that pulled the holders back into contention.

The Elephants appeared set for a full comeback when Guela Doue struck in the 73rd minute, leveling the score and handing the momentum to the title holders. Yet Egypt wasn’t finished — and it was Mohamed Salah who delivered once again. The Liverpool forward scored a crucial third goal just after half-time, finishing a slick team move to restore Egypt’s lead.

In the final stages, Ivory Coast pushed desperately for another equaliser, but Egypt’s defence stood firm in a nerve-shredding finish. Salah’s experience and composure proved decisive in an emotional match that could easily have swung either way.

In the early fixture of the day, Nigeria continued their strong tournament form with a convincing 2–0 win over Algeria at the Grand Stade de Marrakech. From the opening whistle, the Super Eagles asserted control, using superior physicality and pace to dominate much of the encounter.

Victor Osimhen opened the scoring shortly after half-time, converting a well-placed cross from Bruno Onyemaechi to put Nigeria ahead. The Napoli star, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most feared forwards, demonstrated his clinical finishing and leadership in a match where chances were at a premium early on.

Just ten minutes later, Akor Adams doubled the lead, rounding the goalkeeper after another incisive pass from Osimhen. The second goal effectively sealed the tie, as Algeria struggled to create meaningful opportunities against a disciplined Nigerian defence. Despite a few late efforts, the Fennecs couldn’t breach Nigeria’s back line and were left frustrated.

Nigeria’s performance was marked by relentless energy, resilience, and tactical organisation. They limited Algeria to very few clear chances—statistically registering zero shots on target in the first half and only a token long-range attempt late in the game.

Coach Eric Chelle praised his side’s work ethic after the match, highlighting their collective discipline and clinical finishing as key to progression. The win sends Nigeria into the semi-final to face the tournament hosts, Morocco, setting up a high-stakes clash between two of Africa’s most successful footballing nations.

Semi-finals:

Senegal v Egypt in Tangier

Morocco v Nigeria in Rabat

####