Head down, hands on heads, lost looks in the stands. The silence that followed the final whistle said it all. Côte d’Ivoire will not defend their crown. The dream of a back to back title ended in the quarter-finals.
The defending champions were knocked out of AFCON 2025, falling a 3-2 to Egypt on Saturday at the Grand Stade d’Agadir.
Egypt hit early, as Omar Marmoush opened the scoring in the fourth minute, before Rami Rabia doubled the lead in the 32nd minute, putting the Pharaohs firmly in control. Côte d’Ivoire responded before half-time through an own goal by Ahmed Fotouh in the 40th minute, reigniting belief among the Elephants.
After the break, Mohamed Salah restored Egypt two-goal advantage in the 52nd minute. Côte d’Ivoire refused to give in and pulled one back through Guela Doué in the 73rd minute, pushing Egypt deep in the closing stages.
However, Egypt experience and defensive discipline proved decisive as they held on to secure qualification. Salah and his teammates will now face Senegal in the semi-finals, setting up a blockbuster clash.
Earlier in the day, at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, Algeria were beaten 2-0 by Nigeria in the quarter-finals.
Completely outplayed by a dominant and well organised Super Eagles side, the Fennecs conceded goals from Victor Osimhen 26th minute and Akor Adams 47th minute. Nigeria controlled the match from start to finish, leaving Algeria with little room to respond.
The defeat ends Algeria campaign and means there will be no Maghreb derby in the semi-finals. Nigeria now book their place to face Morocco in what promises to be a high-level semi-final encounter.
Read the original article on New Times.
#Afcon2025 – Egypt Topple Defending Champions in Thrilling Afcon Quarter-Final
Osimhen Wins Man-of-the-Match Award
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Morocco’s Brahim Díaz currently leads the goalscoring chart at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), having netted five goals so far in the tournament.
The Real Madrid forward has been a key figure in the host nation’s run to the semi-finals, delivering decisive performances across his appearances.
Díaz is closely followed by two players still in contention for the title, with Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Egypt star Mohamed Salah both on four goals apiece. Their presence in the semi-finals underlines the fierce competition among Africa’s elite forwards as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
With two matches remaining for the finalists, the race for the Golden Boot remains wide open ahead of the last-four clashes.
Full list
5 goals
4 goals
3 goals
Read the original article on Vanguard.
Osimhen Wins Man-of-the-Match Award
Côte d’Ivoire Coach Expresses Frustration Over Quarter-Final Defeat to Egypt
AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 120 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.
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Rwanda’s musical powerhouse, Bruce Melodie, has linked up with Tanzanian Bongo star Diamond Platnumz & Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Joel Brown to drop “POM POM“. Released via 1:55 AM Entertainment, this dynamic collaboration delivers a fusion of Afro-pop, Bongo Flava & Afrobeats, creating a vibrant pan-African anthem that promises to energize audiences across the continent and beyond.
Produced by Ghanaian hitmaker C-Tea Beat, “POM POM” is a celebration of Africa’s musical diversity. The track fuses the distinct styles of three African superstars into a pan-African anthem, blending Afro-pop melodies, Bongo Flava rhythms and Afrobeat undertones. Featuring trilingual lyrics in Kinyarwanda, Swahili and English, “POM POM” captures themes of connection, unity and celebration, creating an unforgettable sound that resonates across the continent and global playlists.
Bruce Melodie shares with fans, “This collaboration celebrates Africa in all its colors — three voices, three countries, one anthem. ‘POM POM’ is more than a song; it’s a movement, a reminder that music connects us no matter where we come from.”
The official music video, directed by Rwanda’s Fayzo Pro (Kigali scenes) and Uganda’s Sasha Vybz (Dar es Salaam scenes), captures the cultural richness of both cities, juxtaposing Rwandan heritage motifs with Tanzanian urban landscapes. The visual storytelling elevates the track’s message of unity and shared joy, providing an immersive and vibrant pan-African experience.
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Marking their first-ever collaboration Bruce Melodie, Diamond Platnumz and Joel Brown chemistry emerged organically from mutual respect and admiration among the artists. Bruce Melodie and Diamond Platnumz, both long standing icons in East Africa, expressed interest in working with Nigeria’s rising Afrobeats star Joel Brown, while producer C-Tea Beat ensured the creative vision seamlessly bridged their unique styles creating a rich, energetic and immersive listening experience.
With “POM POM,” Bruce Melodie, Diamond Platnumz, and Joel Brown showcase their versatility and ability to create pan-african musical magic. The single is a celebration of African creativity, bridging generations, genres, and fanbases, and is poised to become the definitive summer anthem of 2025.
Read the original article on Capital FM.
AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 120 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.
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