Afcon 2017:Egypt beats Burkina Faso on penaltis to reach final

Egypt managed a record-equaling ninth Africa Cup of Nations final after defeating Burkina Faso 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Veteran goalkeeper Essam El Hadary was the hero for Egypt after saving Bertrand Traore’s spot-kick to secure victory.

Mohamed Salah put Egypt in the lead in the 66th minute when he curled a superb shot into the top left corner.

Burkina Faso equalized in the 73rd minute when Aristide Bance managed to chest down Charles Kabore’s cross and volleyed in.

The Burkinabes had a quick start in the game, putting Egypt under immense pressure in the first half but their efforts did not yield anything.

The Pharaohs stepped up their efforts forcing the Burkinabe to halt their attacks.

The game was played at a good tempo with Burkina Faso putting the Egyptian defence under pressure through Bertrand Traore, Prejuce Nakoulma, Aristide Bance and Banou Diawara.

However,El Hadary who is the oldest Nations Cup player in history at 44 years proved hard to beat throughout normal time.

Egypt played more defensively throughout the 90 minutes and were able to hold on in extra-time into penalties where they managed to win.

The Pharoah’s victory means they equal Ghana’s record of appearing in nine finals and will extend their own record as the most successful Nations Cup side if they win an eighth title.

Egypt will take on the winner between Cameroon and Ghana who play on 2nd  February,2017.

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