Egypt reached the AFCON 2021 final as they ended Cameroon’s dreams of winning the trophy on home soil.
Egypt defeated Cameroon in their semi-final match of the Africa Cup of Nations. The Pharaohs clinched another narrow win to reach the AFCON final for the tenth time.
Abou Gabal is unstoppable 🔥
Egypt came into the match on the back of their extra-time win over Morocco on Sunday. The Pharaohs spent most of the first period in their own half while Cameroon dominated the possession.
Following a goalless first half, Egypt slowly found their feet after the interval. Mohamed Salah missed a one-on-one chance against Andre Onana, who prevented the Liverpool star from dribbling past him right before the hour-mark.
As the game reached its final stages in the second half, both sides played more conservatively. Egypt had a few more decent chances throughout the extra time, but they were not clinical enough to convert them. The match was destined to be decided in the penalties.
Vincent Aboubakar and Mohamed Zizo converted the two sides’ opening penalties before Mohamed Abdelmonem made it 2-1 for the guests. However, a missed penalty from Harold Moukoudi changed the situation against Cameroon. Mohamed Abou Gabal saved the Middlesbrough midfielder’s shot with an impressive dive.
Egypt increased their lead through Mohannad Lasheen before Gabal completed his spectacular performance with another penalty save. Clinton Njie was not able to convert Cameroon’s fourth penalty as he registered his side’s third missed spot-kick.
Egypt won the penalty shootouts with two penalties at hand as they reached the tournament’s final. The Pharaohs finally avenged their defeat against Cameroon in the AFCON 2017 final.
Egypt will face Senegal in the final as Liverpool teammates Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah will battle it out for the continental trophy. On the other hand, the hosts will meet Burkina Faso in the game for third place on Saturday.
Player Ratings
Cameroon: Onana (7), Fai (7), Castelletto (6), Ngadeu (7), Tolo (7), Ngamaleu (7), Hongla (6), Anguissa (5), Gouet (6), Ekambi (6), Aboubakar (5).
Bench: Moukoudi (5), Siliki (5), J. Onana (6), Bassogog (6), N’Jie (6).
Egypt: Gabal (9), Fathi (7), Hamdi (6), Abdelmonem (7), Elneny (6), Kamal (6), Soleya (6), El Fotouh (7), Salah (6),
Marmoush (6), Mohamed (7).
Bench: Ashour (7), Zizo (6), Trezeguet (6), Lasheen (7), Sobhi (5), Sherif (6).
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