Egypt reached a record-equalling ninth Africa Cup of Nations final, beating Burkina Faso 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Veteran goalkeeper Essam El Hadary proved Egypt's hero, saving Bertrand Traore's spot-kick to secure victory. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring for Egypt when he curled a superb shot into the top left corner. Burkina Faso became the first side to score against Egypt this tournament when Aristide Bance chested down a brilliant Charles Kabore's cross and volleyed in.
The Burkinabe, who were the better side throughout normal play, took an immediate advantage in the shootout. Goalkeeper Herve Koffi, only 20 years old, magnificently pushed Abdallah El Said's spot-kick on to the post. Out of the entire 10 other options on the pitch, Herve Koffi stepped up to take his side's fourth penalty and was unable to beat El Hadary - who at 24 years his senior is the oldest Nations Cup player in history. El Hadary's chance to win his fifth African title - proved vital as he then saved Bertrand Traore's effort to send Burkina Faso home.
It was a dramatic end to a game that was cagey, thanks to Egypt's predominantly defensive approach, which had served them well and meant they had not conceded a goal going into the match.
Egypt's victory continues their remarkable success rate in Nations Cup semi-finals - they have now won their past six out of nine finals. If on Sunday they beat the winner of Thursday's semi-final between Cameroon and Ghana, Egypt will extend their own record as the most successful Nations Cup side with an eighth title.
Do you think the decision Herve Koffi made to take the 4th penalty was his or that of the coach?
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