Cameroon 0 Egypt 0 (Egypt won 3-1 on penalties) AFCON 2021
In the end Mohamed Salah didn’t need to take a penalty as Gabaski in the Pharaoh's goal proved the ultimate hero after he saved two Cameroon spot-kicks.
Egypt’s win set up an intriguing final matchup between a pair of Liverpool stars in Sadio Mane and Salah.
Meanwhile, the fans of the hosts drifted home disappointed despite their team's first-half efforts.
So on Sunday Egypt will be bidding for yet another record number of titles while Senegal will be aiming for their first.
With enhanced security and a more restricted number of fans present, this second semi-final returned to Olembe.
And it was the hosts who forced the pace from the outset.
With Egypt backtracking the Indomitable Lions used pace and power to pressure their opponents.
Always trying to get top scorers Abubakar and Toko Ekambi into the action.
However, it was defender Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui who went closest as he met a corner and headed against the bar.
Samuel Oum also threatened with a powerful long-range effort.
At the other end, Egypt had to settle for breaks with Salah the target.
His moment seemed to have come in the second period when a loose back pass gave him the chance to beat Onana.
But the Ajax keeper was quick to close down the striker.
Nevertheless, after the interval, the match turned towards the North Africans.
As they tended to control possession and inevitably Cameroon lessened their intensity.
The home side also seemed not to be able to develop threats in the same way as the first 45.
Both sides would make changes although it was the Pharaohs who benefited the most.
And one definite plus point for Carlos Queiroz’s side was the continued presence of goalie Gabaski.
He had battled an injury early on but managed the consequences well enough to continue and take part in the conclusion.
Which after most of the extra time period seemed likely.
It was a denouement that quickly became a disaster for Cameroon.
Although captain Aboubakar scored easily enough both Moukoudi and Lea Siliki had shots saved by Gabaski.
The experienced Egyptians converted theirs comfortably enough.
It would be Dinamo Moscow’s Clinton Njie who skied his effort over the bar who finally gave Egypt the easy 3-1 spot-kick victory.
And so Mo Salah didn’t even need to step up.
The hosts will now be left with the somewhat dubious consolation of a third-place match with Burkina Faso.
But for Egypt, more records beckon although they will have to manage without Queiroz and his assistant as they’ll be absent from the touchlines after their dismissals.
Senegal may be favourites for a maiden title but they would be wise to avoid a penalty shootout.
Report & Analysis - John Bethell