Afcon 2021 : Salah shoots Egypt into quarter-final

Manchester United defender Eric Baily cost his team a place in the quarter-final stage of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday.

Baily's lost penalty aided the Egyptian national team to pull through to the quarter-final stage at the expense of Cote d'Ivoire.

The Pharaohs who started their campaign in Cameroon on a losing note against Nigeria forced the Elephants to a barren draw inside 120 minutes before overcoming 5-4 in the ensuing penalty kicks.

While Egypt made it to the Round of 16 as runners up in Group D with six points from two victories and a defeat, the Ivorians topped Group E with seven points, knocking out title-holders Algeria in the process.

Both teams played an entertaining game with several shots on target but outstanding goalkeeping from both ends of the pitch saw the first, second half and extra time ending without a goal.

After an entertaining 90 minutes, neither team was able to take the lead, sending the game to extra time.

In the penalty kicks, Ivory Coast was the first to shoot and scored the first two attempts, and so did Egypt. Manchester United’s Eric Bailly stepped up to take the third penalty for the Elephants but Abogabal was able to parry it.

Each team scored the remaining penalties, meaning it was Salah’s turn to step up for the final penalty to send Egypt to the next round, which he did.

The Pharaohs will now face Morocco in the quarterfinals next Sunday, at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde.

Already with seven titles to their name, Egypt will be looking to extend their Afcon dominance in Cameroon