Egypt advanced to the Cup of Nations final on Wednesday night following a penalty shootout win over Burkina Faso. Mohamed Salah’s sumptuous strike gave Egypt the lead in the 66th minute.
But it was cancelled out seven minutes later when Aristide Bancé chested down Charles Kaboré’s cross into the area and thrashed the ball past goalkeeper Essam El Hadary. Extra time failed to provide a winner.
The subsequent drama appeared to be heading Burkina Faso’s way after Abdallah Said missed Egypt’s first penalty.
Burkina Faso converted their first three and held the advantage until goalkeeper Hervé Koffi missed their fourth kick. With Egypt’s fifth and final kick before sudden death, Amr Warda gave Egypt a 4-3 advantage. El Hadary confirmed the comeback when he palmed out Bertrand Traoré’s attempt.
The Ajax striker collapsed in tears as El Hadary’s team mates celebrated their veteran skipper’s heroics in their progress to the final. At 44 years and 17 days, El Hadary also extended is record as the oldest man to play in a Cup of Nations fixture.
Part of the Egypt side that claimed three titles in a row between 2006 and 2010, El Hadary will have a chance on Sunday to add a fifth crown to his collection having also won a trophy in 1998.
On Sunday at the Stade de L’Amitié in Libreville, Egypt will play either Cameroon or Ghana – sides they conquered in the 2008 and 2010 finals respectively.
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