However, Egypt returned for the 1974 African Cup of Nations, in which they were hosts for the first time. In the group stage, Egypt were in Group A with Zambia, Uganda, and the Ivory Coast. Egypt was successful, defeating Uganda 2–1, Zambia with a score of 3–1, and the Ivory Coast by a score of 2–0. They progressed to the semi-finals to play against Zaire. Egypt lost 2–3 against Zaire, so Egypt had to face Congo for third place. Egypt won Congo by a score of 4–0.