Egypt's Mohamed Abou Gabal made two crucial saves as they defeated hosts Cameroon on a penalty shoot-out to advance to Sunday's final and meet Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah from Liverpool – thus setting up their encounter in Sunday's championship showdown.
Cameroon captain Michael Ngadeu found the woodwork twice before Samuel Gouet's long-range shot struck the left upright at Olembe stadium.
Goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal saves two penalties
Gabal led Egypt into the final of the Africa Cup of Nations by beating Cameroon on penalties after an goalless draw in Yaounde. Egypt's star player expertly blocked Harold Moukoudi and James Siliki attempts before Clinton Njie wasted Cameroon's fourth kick.
Both teams struggled to create any clear-cut chances in the full 90 minutes. Michael Ngadeu came close with a header off a corner on 18 minutes from a set-piece, hitting between bar and post; while Karl Toko Ekambi missed an opportunity from another set-piece but the game seemed likely to go into penalties.
The final shootout was an exciting affair with both teams hitting the woodwork multiple times before Egypt had one last opportunity but three players close to goal missed Ramadan Sobhi's deep cross, leading to penalties where Gabal made two superb saves to give his side victory and advance to the final against Senegal.
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Mohamed Abdelmonem scores for Egypt
Egypt were clearly the better team in the initial stages of the second period but could not break through against an immovable Cameroon side, who seemed determined to thwart them at every opportunity. Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui and Samuel Gouet both hit the woodwork with long-range shots.
Extra time of a goalless draw on an increasingly heavy pitch saw neither team exert much energy or show much creativity, though drama erupted on the touchline when Egypt coach Carlos Queiroz clashed with centre referee Bakary Gassama.
Gabal once more kept Egypt ahead before Liverpool took their penalties – with Gabal being outwitted by Clinton Njie who mishit after an unusual two-step runup. That set up the final between Egypt and their pre-tournament favourites Liverpool; Sadio Mane being an undoubted winner in this shootout; never having competed for one before now has one on his CV!
Harold Moukoudi misses for Cameroon
Cameroon defeated Egypt 3-0 when these teams last met at an Africa Cup of Nations match, but since then have lost three out of their four games, including an elimination in a semi-final on Thursday night.
After 120 minutes had expired in an goalless draw, Egypt and Ivory Coast went straight into a penalty shootout. Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal repeated his feats from their quarter-final win by saving two penalties while Harold Moukoudi, James Lea Siliki and Clinton Njie all missed for their hosts.
Dynamo Moscow forward Njie took his final kick, only for his shot to fly high over the bar and secure Egypt a spot in their first African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in three years. On Sunday's final will pit Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah against each other as they fight it out for Africa's top prize – qualification to Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying as well as their maiden African Cup of Nations crown!
Clinton Njie scores for Egypt
After taking their final kicks, this tournament's winners have now been determined. Egypt's goalkeeper Gabal once more proved himself worthy as she saved two penalties from Cameroon to secure victory for Egypt and secure victory for their Pharaohs team.
Cameroon's penalty takers Harold Moukoudi, James Lea Siliki and Clinton Njie all failed to convert their spot-kicks on Sunday at Olembe Stadium – setting up an elimination final against Senegal that will feature Liverpool pair Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane – and signaled its end on an unfortunate note.
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Egypt coach Carlos Queiroz was at the centre of much controversy during a tense semi-final between them and Senegal on Thursday, exchanging arguments with referee Bakary Gassama before ultimately being sent off due to continuing bickering – leading to him being sent off twice within three tournaments! But they will move forward to defend their title against Senegal who were victorious over Ivory Coast on penalties in their semi-final match-up.
