Egypt travel home without winning a single match at the African Cup of Nations and having lost their biggest star, Mohamed Salah, to injury.
The round of 16 ended 1-1 and in the penalty shootout the goalkeepers finally had to take action. Then it was Congo who emerged victorious from the duel.
It is a major setback for Egypt, who came to the championship with high hopes after losing the final last time.
Draw specialists
Both Egypt and Congo progressed from the group stage with three draws.
Congo took the lead when Meschack Elia plunged the ball into the goal shortly before half-time. Egypt raged at the referees, but the goal was allowed.
Right before the break, Egypt were awarded a penalty. Mostafa Mohamed put it in the goal, and thus it was a draw at half-time. After full time it was also a draw.
Although Egypt’s Mohamed Hamdy Sharaf received a red card in the first extra period (two yellows), Congo could not score more. This resulted in a draw again – and penalty kicks to find a winner.
Keeperduell
The teams also kept it even in the penalty shootout. Both missed penalty number two. After eight penalties, the teams were tied.
Then the keepers stepped forward. Egypt’s Mohamed Abou Gabal missed, while Congo’s Lionel Mpasi scored.
Thus, the first shell in this year’s Africa Championship is a fact. Congo was left with little hope. The team is number 67 in the Fifa rankings, while Egypt is number 33.
Egypt were among the favorites before the Africa Cup of Nations, but have struggled.
The team has lost its biggest star – Mohamed Salah – to injury and also has several others on the injury list. Egypt has won the African Cup of Nations seven times, most recently in 2010.
(©NTB)