Egypt beat Cameroon 3-1 on penalties after playing out a 0-0 draw in the second semi-final at AFCON 2021.
The Pharaohs will now take on Senegal in the all-important final on Sunday, February 6.
Cameroon had been given a slight edge coming into the match because of their form in this year’s tournament.
However, the heavy pitch slowed down the game, which eventually turned out to be a match of few chances.
Missed chances
Although the score stayed 0-0, a few good opportunities were created throughout the 120 minutes.
Cameroon’s in-form forward Karl Toko Ekambi failed to make the most of his shot in the first half by sending a timid attempt despite having ample time to dispatch his effort.
His strike partner Vincent Aboubakar had a quiet night and could not find space between the tightly drilled Egyptian defence.
Cameroon centre-back Michael Ngadeu Ngadjui missed two glorious chances from consecutive set-pieces to put the hosts ahead.
He hit the post on his first attempt and skewed an easy chance in the next one.
Egypt’s big moment came seconds before the final whistle, courtesy of a Ramadan Sobhi cross.
Despite overloading the box with attackers, all three available players failed to get a decisive touch on a ball that whistled past them harmlessly away from goal.
Only four shots were on target (Cameroon 3, Egypt 1) during the 120 minutes, reflecting the tactical battle between the two teams.
Unlikely hero in the penalty shoot-out
Egypt’s first-choice goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy had been ruled out of the tie owing to the injury he suffered against Ivory Coast in the round of 16.
Their back-up custodian Mohamed Abou Gabal also limped off in the quarter-final win against Morocco.
However, Gabal started in goal in the high-octane semi-final despite doubt being cast over his complete recovery.
He proved his critics wrong with a wonderful display in the shoot-out.
Gabal saved the second and third penalties, with Cameroon’s fourth shot missing the target.
Egypt, having converted all three of their strikes, won the shoot-out 3-1.
Final showdown
Egypt will be looking to add another AFCON trophy to their cabinet on Sunday.
The Pharaohs are already the most successful side in the tournament’s history, having lifted the trophy on seven different occasions.
They will play Senegal, who are yet to win an AFCON tournament.
The match will also see Liverpool forwards Sadio Mane (Senegal) and Mohamed Salah (Egypt) battle each other for the biggest trophy in Africa.
The final will kick off at 19:00 GMT on February 6.
You can catch live action on these football streaming sites.
