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)
