Mohamed Salah will face Sadio Mane in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, after Egypt defeated Cameroon on penalties on Thursday.
In a tense game, the semi-final finished 0-0 after extra-time before Cameroon missed three penalties in the shootout to send Egypt through, without the Liverpool forward having to step up to the spot.
Egypt goalkeeper Gabaski proved to be the hero on the night as he saved penalties from both Harold Moukoudi and James Lea Siliki, before Clinton N’Jie sent his decisive effort wide - sending the Pharaohs through with two efforts to spare.
Salah ’s side got off to a slow start in the first-half, with the game somehow staying level after Cameroon’s Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui and Vincent Aboubakar somehow conspired to send the ball wide.
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Centre-back Ngadeu-Ngadjui met a delivery from a corner, sending the ball on to the crossbar, before striker Aboubakar stretched for the rebound but could only put his effort wide of the post.
However, Egypt boss Carlos Queiroz made an attacking change at the break - sending on Aston Villa’s Trezeguet in place of a midfielder- which set a new tone for the second half.
Moments later, Salah was handed an unbelievable opportunity to put his side in front. Martin Hongla mis-judged a back-pass which put Salah one-on-one with Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana.
But the Liverpool man couldn’t quite find the right touch to take the ball around the Ajax 'keeper to give himself a clear run at an open goal.
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After a more even contest in the second half, there was still time for late drama in the 90th minute as Queiroz was sent off for a second yellow after several disagreements with the referee.
Chances were few and far between in extra-time, with Egypt going closest with two minutes remaining as Ramadan Sobhi’s ball across goal somehow evaded a trio of his teammates six yards out, forcing the game to penalties.
Egypt’s win over the host nation means Liverpool teammates Salah and Mane will go head-to-head as captains in Sunday’s Final, each looking to win their first major honour at international level.
