AFCON 2021: Cote D’Ivoire Bow Before Pharaohs

The Pharaohs of Egypt have defeated Cote D’Ivoire 5-4 on penalties to advance to the quarter finals of the competition, keeping their sight on a record, extending 8th title.

Eric Bailly unfortunately missed his penalty for the Cote D’Ivoire as all 5 Egyptian players who took theirs, converted from the spot.

Hugely proclaimed favorites before the game, Cote D’Ivoire kept the ball longer and had more chances, but they were matched by goalkeeper El Shenawy, for most parts.

Egypt struck the bar through Omar Marmouch with his curled effort at the 16th minute. Cote D’Ivoire then had a negative turning point in the game when midfeilder – Frank Kessie was carried out due to injury at the 29th minute. Mohamed Salah didn’t see the ball a lot but made sure he utilized every ounce of space given to him, in the course of the game. Salah’s through ball for Mostafa Mohamed at the 38th minute was inch-perfect, but the center forward saw his shot stopped by Badra Ali Sangaré.

Three minutes separated Mostafa’s chance and Ibrahim Sangare’s bicycle kick that met the hands of goalkeeper El Shenawy. Sebastian Haller was going through tough moments in the game, with Hegazy and Abdelmoneim, checking the big man’s runs.

Haller however had a shot on goal before the pose, that saw El Shenawy clutching the ball. Egypt grew in confidence as the game went on and created more half – chances that fell to Sulaya, and then, Mostafa Mohamed, finding himself in more space than he expected, before shooting wide.

Ibrahim Sangare made up lots of ground and was desperately unlucky not to get a goal. His header after the 75th minute mark – fell for Haller who could only bring the save from El Shenawy.

El Shenawy’s night was over, minutes after his save, and he was replaced by Mohamed Abou Gabal.

Abou Gabal was equally called into action few times but his highlight in regular playing time, was, a wonderful stop from Sangare’s long range shot (104, EAT).

Eric Bailly missed Cote D’Ivoire’s third penalty – with a nonchalant, Jorginho-like walk-up, parried by Mohamed Abou Gabal.

1,Pepe score
1,Ahmed Sayed

2,Sangare
2, Al Sulaya

3, Bailey (miss)
3,Omar Kamal

4, Corner
4, Abdelmonem

5, Zaha
5, Sallah

Egypt will face Morocco is what has already been described as, a fierce battle, in their quarter finals on January 30.