Mohamed Salah scored as Egypt won 3-2 to dump defending champions Ivory Coast out of the Africa Cup of Nations in a thrilling quarter-final on Saturday.

Omar Marmoush and Ramy Rabia netted for Egypt, then Ahmed Aboul-Fetouh conceded an own goal before half-time.

Salah then edged closer to a first Africa Cup of Nations winners medal by doubling the lead soon after the break before Guela Doue pulled a goal back for Ivory Coast.

Egypt took the lead just 182 seconds after the kick-off through Manchester City striker Marmoush.

Egypt increased their lead on 32 minutes when centre-back Rabia soared above Ibrahim Sangare at the far post to meet a Salah corner, and his looping header beat Fofana.

The defending champions were rattled and needed to score.

It came after 40 minutes when Egyptian Aboul-Fetouh conceded an own goal.

Salah restored Egypt's two-goal lead just seven minutes into the second half, and once again Ashour from African club giants Al Ahly was the creator.

Egypt failed to clear a corner and Doue flicked the ball past 37-year-old goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy to set up a tense finish.

Egypt will face Senegal on Wednesday in Tangiers with the winners meeting hosts Morocco or Nigeria four days later in the final. (AFP)