Shootout drama sees Egypt book quarterfinal spot with win over Ivory Coast

Egypt booked their place in the quarterfinals of AFCON 2021 in Cameroon after winning 5-4 on penalties against the Elephants of Ivory Coast in their Round of 16 clash.

It was a clash between two of the continent’s big guns as the Pharaohs, who finished second in Group D, took on the Elephants. Both sides boast of big stars based in Europe’s top clubs.

The match started with both sides testing the waters cautiously and trying to control the game in their own way. Ivory Coast were dealt a severe blow as influential AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie picked up an injury and had to be taken off inside 30 minutes. Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy had a brilliant game ad he pulled off a number of important saves for the Pharaohs.

Both sides failed to find the net in regulation time and the match went to extra time. Egypt forward Mahmoud Trezeguet missed a brilliant chance late on in extra time with a shot from inside the box which was saved very easily by Ivory Coast goalkeeper Ali Sangare. After both sides failed to score in extra time, the match went to penalties.

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly was the only one of the penalty shooters to miss after his shot taken without a run up was pushed onto the crossbar by Egypt’s substitute goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal. Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah scored the decisive penalty for the Pharaohs to put them in the last eight of the tournament.