Egypt beats hosts on penalties to book AFCON final ticket

Seven-time AFCON Champions Egypt will face Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations after beating hosts Cameroon 3-1 on penalties in Olembe on Thursday.

The Egyptians were the second-best side in the game, especially in the first half, as the Indomitable Lions missed a plethora of chances to go ahead.

The second half was similar with little action points save for Andre Onana saving Cameroon blushes by stopping Mohammed Salah, who benefitted from a poor backpack, and the sending off of Egypt Coach Carlos Quieroz.

Quieroz had questioned Samuel Eto’o comments ahead of the game on Thursday, criticizing the former striker’s choice of words after he termed the game as a war.

Quieroz was yellow-carded twice for his conduct on the sidelines as his team failed to break down the Cameroonian defense, although they could have won it late as Trezeguet’s cross, after a run into the box, failed to get the decisive touch.

The extra time was equally disappointing but not as disappointing as the spot-kicks of the Cameroonians. The tournament’s top scorer Vincent Aboubakar with six goalscorers, took the first spot-kick for Cameroon, and only he scored for the hosts in the shootout.

Egypt goalkeeper Gabaski was the hero for Egypt, saving two of Cameroon’s penalties. The win also represents an act of revenge for Egypt after losing the 2017 final to Cameroon.

Meanwhile, the Pharaohs will get a chance of winning their first AFCON title since 2010 when they face Senegal on Sunday. Senegal beat Burkina Faso 3-1 and are seeking their first title in AFCON 3 finals when they face Egypt.

Meanwhile, Cameroon will now play against Burkina Faso in the third-place match on Saturday, while the grand finale will be on Sunday morning.

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu