Egypt edged out the Elephants in penalties to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
Egypt defeated Ivory Coast in penalties after a goalless draw in their Africa Cup of Nations last-16 tie. Mohamed Salah scored the final penalty for the Pharaohs after a tense game.
Egypt are in the quarter-finals!
Ivory Coast started the first half by gaining possession while trying to remain solid in defence. Sebastian Haller came close to scoring a spectacular strike, but Mohammed El Shenawy denied him with a brilliant save. Minutes later, Egypt forward Omar Marmoush unleashed a stunning curler which hit the crossbar.
Both sides played more conservatively during the second half. Mohamed Salah and Nicholas Pepe missed both sides’ best goalscoring opportunities as the game remained goalless for another 45 minutes.
A brilliant pass from Salah in the 23rd minute of the extra time nearly won the game for Egypt. Trézéguet latched on to the ball inside the box, but his poor finish left Salah leaping up and down in frustration. The Pharaohs were slightly better during the extra time. But, they were not able to break the deadlock, and the game went to penalties.
After scoring their initial two penalties, Ivory Coast missed a game-deciding spot-kick in their third effort. Eric Baily chipped the ball casually to the top left, but Egypt’s second goalkeeper Abo Gabel saved the penalty with his left hand.
Both sides scored their remaining penalties, with Salah converting the game’s final spot-kick to send Egypt to the quarter-finals. The Pharaohs will face Morocco in a quarter-final battle on Sunday.
Player Ratings
Ivory Coast: Sangaré (8), Aurier (6), Bailly (7), Deli (7), Konan (7), I. Sangaré (7), Seri (5), Kessié (6), Gradel (6), Haller (7), Pépé (6).
Bench: Die (7), Zaha (6), Boga (6), Cornet (6).
Egypt: El Shenawy (8), El Soleya (7), El Fotouh (6), Marmoush (7), Hegazy (7), M. Abdelmonem (7), Kamal (6), Fathi (7), Salah (8), Elneny (6), Mohamed (6).
Bench: Abo Gabel (7), Trezeguet (7), Zizo (7), Sherif (6).
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