The President of the Egyptian Football Federation (EFA), Hani Abu Rida, experienced a health scare during Egypt’s tense quarterfinal clash against Ivory Coast at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The Pharaohs edged past Ivory Coast with a dramatic 3–2 victory on Saturday at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir, booking a highly anticipated semifinal showdown against Senegal.

However, the high-stakes encounter took a toll on the EFA president. According to Mustafa Abu Zahra, a member of the Egyptian Football Association’s board, Abu Rida suffered a spike in blood pressure during the match.

“Hani Abu Rida experienced a rise in blood pressure when the score was 2–1, so he left the stadium and returned to the hotel to receive treatment. Contrary to reports, he did not go to the hospital,” Abu Zahra told ON Sport.

Egypt’s upcoming clash with Senegal is a repeat of the 2021 AFCON final in Cameroon, where the Teranga Lions defeated the Pharaohs to lift their maiden continental title.

The North African giants will be aiming to return to the summit of African football, having last won the AFCON in 2010 when they defeated Ghana 1–0 to secure a record seventh title.