The Pharaoh of Egypt who is looking to extend their title to eight (8) defeated Africa Cup of Nations (AfCon) host, Cameroon 3-1 in a penalty shootout to book a spot in this years final against Senegal at the Olembe Stadium on Sunday.
Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal 'Gabaski' was the star of the Thursday encounter after saving Egypt on two occasions in 120 mins before showing his heroics in saving two of the three penalties Cameroon lost during the shootout.
Earlier in the encounter, Cameroon almost took the lead as Michael Ngadeu rose high to meet the resultant corner kick and attempted to steer his fine header past the goalkeeper, but it only hit the crossbar. Two minutes later, Ngadeu got to a rebound inside the goalmouth, but he missed the target and failed to score.
On 56 minutes, Mohamed Salah dribbled into the box, but Andre Onana was quick enough to come off his line and stopped him. On 70 minutes, a rebound landed at the feet of Karl Toko Ekambi, whose promising strike from long range smashed against the left post.
The game ended in a stalemate before Egypt snatched the victory during the spot-kicks. Meanwhile, assistant coach Diaa al-Sayed has called on AfCon Organisers to play this weekend’s final against Senegal to give them more time to prepare “I want to state to all CAF authorities that Senegal has one extra day to train and therefore maybe we should play the final on Monday.”
The Pharaohs are chasing a record-extending eighth African crown while Senegal continues their search for their first title.
