KOP FINAL
Cameroon 0 Egypt 0 (1-3 on pens): Mo Salah sets up Afcon final showdown vs Liverpool pal Sadio Mane after penalty drama
MO SALAH set up a final showdown with Liverpool pal Sadio Mane after beating hosts Cameroon on pens.
Cameroon striker Vincent Aboubakar said before the semi that Salah was no Kylian Mbappe — but the Kop star had the last laugh as he was not even needed in the shootout.
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The two sides played out a 0-0 draw over the course of 120 minutes.
But it was Egypt who progressed on spot-kicks after blundering Cameroon missed THREE consecutive penalties.
Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o predicted the clash would be a “war” — and he was not wrong as Egypt boss Carlos Queiroz was shown two yellow cards in a three-minute spell near the end of regulation time.
The former Manchester United No 2 had to be held back after he thought a Cameroon star landed a blow on one of his players.
After complaining to the linesman, Queiroz was shown a yellow card in the 87th minute.
But the Portuguese tactician failed to cool off and instead continued his tirade as he was held back by his assistant.
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That led to the ref joining in the action, and he swiftly produced a red card to send Queiroz to the stands.
But anger turned to joy after the shootout as Queiroz joined in the raucous celebrations with his Egypt players.
It was no surprise the game got off to a subdued start after they returned to the Olembe Stadium for the first time since eight people tragically lost their lives due to a crush outside the ground ten days ago.
Salah gave the Lions a warning when he cut inside and unleashed an effort just wide of the post after 9 minutes.
But Cameroon dominated as Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui hammered the bar with a header before Aboubakar had a header at the back post saved.
Tournament top scorer Karl Toko Ekambi then squandered another opportunity by hitting an effort into the ground.
Egypt coach Queiroz threw on Aston Villa’s Trezeguet after the break and the winger gave his side a lift.
But Salah’s first touch let him down as he latched on to a poor back pass as a result of Trezeguet’s press.
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The Liverpool winger looked through on goal but Onana deflected his poor touch as the winger failed to go round him.
In a semi-final lacking drama, Queiroz stepped up with his outburst before normal time ended.
But he was celebrating after the shootout win — not that he will be on the touchline for Sunday’s final.
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