AGADIR, Morocco (Interstat) — Egypt opened its Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 3-2 victory over Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday at Grand Stade d’Agadir.

The hosts surged to a commanding lead with first-half goals from Omar Marmoush in the fourth minute, Ramy Rabia in the 32nd and Ahmed Fetouh in the 40th. Mohamed Salah extended Egypt’s advantage in the 52nd minute.

Cote d’Ivoire, which entered the match with only one loss across all competitions this season, mounted a response. Substitute Guela Doué scored in the 73rd minute, but the comeback fell short. The result defied a pregame statistical projection that had heavily favored Egypt but predicted a shutout for the Ivorians.

Egypt’s Mohamed El Shenawy and Hossam Abdelmegeed each recorded an assist. Both received yellow cards late in the match.