EGYPT were perfect from the penalty spot on Thursday night as they booked their place in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final.
The Pharaohs scored all their three penalties in the semi-final shootout at the Olembe Stadium to overcome hosts Cameroon 3-1 after full-time and extra-time ended 0-0.
The seven-time African champions had goalkeeper Gabaski to thank after the Zamalek shot stopper saved two penalties.
Before Thursday’s clash, Cameroon had progressed from their last eight AFCON semi-finals, whilst Egypt had reached the final in all of their last six attempts, meaning one of the teams was destined to lose their long-standing winning streak.
The Indomitable Lions dominated the first half at a packed Yaounde venue, and their first big opportunity to take the lead came through tournament top scorer Vincent Aboubakar in the 24th minute, whose header hit the crossbar with Gabaski beaten.
Karl Toko Ekambi, who has scored five goals in the tournament, was then gifted a huge chance unmarked in the Egypt box minutes later, but his shot was mishit.
Cameroon were unable to convert their dominance into goals in the first half, and the cautious Egypt made it more of a contest after the break.
The Pharaohs almost snatched the lead 10 minutes into the second half when Martin Hongla played a backpass straight to Mohamed Salah, but the Liverpool forward could not take the ball round Andre Onana in the Cameroon goal.
Egypt had their head coach Carlos Queiroz sent off for dissent towards the end of regulation time, but his absence made no difference as the game remained goalless after extra-time.
Egypt, who had beaten Cote d’Ivoire on penalties in the round of 16 when they converted all their five kicks, were 100 per cent once again.
Gabaski saved efforts from Harold Moukoudi and James Lea Siliki, before Clinton N’Jie struck Cameroon’s final spot-kick well wide.
Egypt will face Senegal in Sunday’s final in Yaounde, where Salah and his Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane will be the headline acts.
