Egypt reach AFCON quarters and will Face Morocco NEXT

The Pharaohs defeated Ivory Coast on penalty shoot-outs to book their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

Keeper Mohamed Abou-Gabal, who replaced Ahmed El-Shennawi just before the end of regulation time after the Ahly goalie was injured, proved an unlikely hero, producing a superb one-handed save to block Eric Bailly’s third spot-kick.

Salah then stepped up for Egypt’s fifth effort, which he powerfully fired into the bottom corner to send keeper Badra Sangare the wrong way and spark wild celebrations among his teammates, many of whom are tasting Nations Cup action for the first time.

Although Cote d’Ivoire still managed to mount some threats, they looked largely toothless with Egypt’s backline, marshalled by the rookie but solid defender Mohamed Abdel-Moneim and the experienced Ahmed Hegazi, nullifying the threats of the likes of Sebastien Haller and Nicolas Pepe.

At the other end, Egypt launched some breakaways which, had it not been for some poor finishing, could have settled the tie before it went to extra time.

Egypt continued their habit of eliminating Cote d’Ivoire in the Nations Cup, having defeated the Elephants en route to three out of their last four triumphant campaigns.

They will face a mouthwatering quarter-final clash against Morocco, who came from behind to beat Malawi 2-1 after producing a vivid attacking display on Tuesday.