AFCON: How Egypt Caged Cameroon To Book Final Spot

The Cameroon versus Egypt second semifinal of the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2021 had promised to be a thriller and it did not fall of that expectation dragging to penalties after both teams played goalless at the end of extra time in Yaounde, Cameroon.

For Egypt, it was their fifth semi-final in six years. The team had had a tough run of opponents throughout the knockout rounds, eliminating favourites Ivory Coast and Morocco in the process.

Their semi-final opponents, Cameroon had been title favourites from the onset. It was more so, being the hosts with the support of the home crowd and with a quality squad.

It was no surprise that the two teams engaged one another with caution and tact in the opening minutes of the game. In the 18th minute, Cameroon showcased their attacking threat when Michael Ngadeu rose highest in the box but could only strike the crossbar with a bullet header.

That was the closest both sides came to scoring as the first half ended goalless. The second half was much more promising as Egypt changed shape and were more on the front foot. The game stretched and there were a flurry of chances for both sides.

The competition’s highest goal scorer, Vincent Aboubakar was a shadow of himself on the night as he was isolated during the course of the whole game, Mo Salah for Egypt was their weapon going forward but did not find a way through Cameroon’s defence.

A barren 90 minutes for the two nations extended the game to extra time. 30 minutes of respect followed as both sides looked to settle for a draw and a penalty shootout.

Cameroon lost three spot-kicks allowing Egypt to go through on a score of 3-1 to the AFCON final where the North Africans are expected to meet the Senegalese Lions.

The Pharaohs have won six penalty shootouts at the Africa Cup of Nations, more than any other team in the competition’s history. They have now also progressed from each of their last seven semi-final matches at this tournament. Stade d’Olembé, Yaounde is set for the Final of the AFCON 2021, Egypt vs Senegal, Salah vs Mane.

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