Egypt defeated Cameroon 3-1 on penalties to reach the Africa Cup of Nations final, ending the hosts’ hopes of glory on home soil on Thursday night, February 3.
The second semi-final finished goalless after 120 minutes but it was Egypt who were victorious in the shootout.
Egypt had coach Carlos Queiroz sent off after a series of touchline complaints but almost stole victory in the dying minutes of extra-time when substitute Ramadan Sobhi fired across the face of goal but his cross somehow evaded four men in white attacking it.
Cameroon scored first in the shootout before centre-back Harold Moukoudi’s penalty was saved. James Lea Siliki was also denied a goal by Mohamed Abou Gabal in the Egypt post.
Former Tottenham man Clinton Njie who needed to score to keep the shootout alive, played his shot wide after a bizarre two-step run-up.
The victory keeps Egypt on course for a record-extending eighth AFCON title, against pre-tournament favourites Senegal.
It will be a tough battle between Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who both play for Liverpool in the premier league.
