Cameroon have crashed out of AFCON. Literally. Three awful penalties to sent them out of the competition they are hosting and that the whole nation hoped will be their for the taking. Egyptian squad, who are already used to penalty shootouts at this tournament, come out victorious and have one more step to take to their first continental trophy since 2010. That step is called Senegal.AFCON 2021: The Lions of Teranga roar to the final!Ahead of this clash, Egypt had reached the final in all of their last six attempts while Cameroon had progressed from their last eight AFCON semi-finals. It all meant that one nation was destined to lose their long-standing hot streak. It was the Indomitable Lions who couldn’t fight off their own demons and also the inspired keeper of the Pharaohs – Gabaski.Cameroon were dominant in the first half and the North African looked a bit reserved. The first big chance of the match came after 24 minutes to tournament’s top scorer Vincent Aboubakar.Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu’s sent a precise corner cross and the experienced striker could only loop a header onto the post. Aboubakar tried from the rebound but the opportunity fell away when teammate Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui got in the way. Minutes later, Karl Toko Ekambi was then gifted an opportunity unmarked in the box but he managed only to mishit his close-range shot into the hands of Egypt’s goalkeeper.🇪🇬 Mohamed Salah had five fewer touches inside 90 minutes vs Cameroon (27) than Trezeguet (32)👀 Trezeguet was a half-time substitute— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) February 3, 2022 The Pharaohs growing counter-attacking threat brought caution to the hosts as the game opened up after the break. Cameroon were unable to make home advantage count before halftime and now were forced to bring their guard up.Warnings came from the seven-time champions – in the 55th minute, Martin Hongla played a backpass straight to Mohamed Salah. It was only André Onana’s awareness that saved the West Africans from being one-goal behind – Cameroonian goalkepper got to the ball before the Liverpool star man and cleared the danger.Sun 22:00: (2.25) Senegal (3.05) Egypt (3.90)The semi-final called out for a late hero as the 90-minute mark was fast approaching. With 20 minutes to play, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s 40-yard drive looked like a move of a hero but the ball only shaved the post after his shot. Gabaski was beaten but a bit of luck was missing for the Indomitable Lions.Just before the semi-finals match went to extra time, Egypt’s coach Carlos Quieroz was sent off as his team would go into aditional 30 minutes for the third time this tournament.Pretty much nothing happened in the half-hour, it wasn’t enough to decide the winner the game went into a penalty shootout. Egypt had previously won their last five AFCON shootouts dating back to 1986 – and were successful tonight also, thanks to impressive Gabaski (saved two) and lack of accuracy from Clinton N’Jie, who failed to convert Cameroon’s final spot-kick. The Pharaohs took three shots and made all three, with Salah not even being needed as fifth in line to shoot. Saturday evening will grant us the new AFCON champion and it will be an interesting clash of Liverpool talismans – Senegal’s Sadio Mane and Salah and his Egypt squad.AFRICA CUP OF NATIONSSemi-finalsWednesdayBurkina Faso – Senegal 1-3 (0-0)/Toure 82 – Diallo 70, Gueye 76,, Mane 87/ThursdayCameroon – Egypt 0-0 (1-3 on penalties)
