The Pharaohs of Egypt became the 7th country to qualify for the Round of 8 after Salah scored the decisive penalty
By Kehinde Okeowo
Ivory Coast became the latest West African side to be eliminated from the round of 16 after they were beaten 5-4 on penalties by the Pharaohs of Egypt, following a 0-0 draw during regulation time.
The North Africans won the shoot-out when substitute goalkeeper Gabaski saved Manchester United Eric Bailly’s effort in the third round of the spot-kicks.
The penalty miss was somewhat harsh on the Ivorian who before the spot-kick had a very good game. He placed his effort too close to Gabaski, who guessed right by sticking out his left hand to push the ball onto the bar.
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The Zamalek keeper had come on right at the end of the second half after Mohamed El Shenawy picked up a leg injury, he is now likely to be in the post against Morocco if the first choice keeper is unable to shake off his injury.
Liverpools’ striker Mohamed Salah became the hero of the match after scoring the last and decisive penalty to send the seven-time AFCON champions through.
Egypts’ endeavour is, however, rewarded with a clash with their North African counterpart Morocco, who they now face in the last eight in Yaounde on Sunday by 5 pm West African time.