Ivory Coast head coach Émerse Fae says mistakes cost them against Egypt, stressing that they will focus on their preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
In a quarterfinal clash on Saturday, the Ivorians suffered an elimination after a 3-2 defeat against the Pharaohs.
The record champions got off to a flying start, with Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush opening the scoring in the fourth minute.
Egypt doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute when Ramy Rabia powered home a header from a Salah corner.
Ivory Coast responded before halftime, with Yan Diomandé forcing an own goal from Fatouh to make it 2-1 and reignite the contest.
After the break, both sides continued to press, but it was Salah who restored Egypt’s two-goal cushion. Guéla Doué later pulled one back for the Ivorians, but Egypt held on for the win.
“We are frustrated by tonight’s result. We had prepared our players to face this Egyptian team, but we made far too many mistakes at key moments in the match to hope to eliminate them,” Fae said after the game.
“What hurts most tonight are those mistakes. It took us some time to get into the match. I regret conceding the first goal so early, as well as the second. We reacted well by coming back to 2-1 before halftime. But the third goal put us in trouble. It’s hard to explain these lapses in concentration.
“We will continue to work to prepare for the World Cup,” he added.
