January 27, (THEWILL) – Egypt advanced to the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies 2021 Africa Cup of Nations after knocking out Ivory Coast on penalties where the impressive Eric Bailly missed from the spot to hand victory over to the Pharaohs.
After 120 goalless minutes in Douala, Mohamed Salah swept home the final penalty to secure a 5-4 win in the shoot-out, ending the tournament’s most frequently contested match – this was the 11th time these sides had met.
In a tight opening 90 minutes with little chances, Amr El Soleya perhaps had the best, blasting over after being teed up in space by Salah.
Mohamed El Shenawy, Egypt’s goalkeeper, knocked over a Sebastien Haller header before saving a Wilfried Zaha shot, however he was substituted with two minutes of normal time remaining due to injury.
El Soleya was offered another chance as Egypt made a strong start to extra time, but the Al Ahly midfielder was unable to keep his awkward header down from six yards out.
Mohamed Abou Gabal saved a speculative Ibrahim Sangare strike, and Simon Deli got in front of the replacement goalie from the resultant corner only to head over. With nearly the final kick of extra time, Salah’s cut-back set up Trezeguet, but the Aston Villa star shot straight at Badra Ali Sangare from six yards.
The shoot-out’s first four penalties went in until ‘Gabaski’ clawed Bailly’s effort onto the crossbar with the Manchester United defender’s run-up not fooling the keeper.
Zaha then scored to put the pressure on Salah, who found the bottom-right corner to set up a last-eight encounter with Morocco.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
