Mohamed Salah turned Egypt’s quarter-final against Morocco around after extra time and continues to dream of his first Africa Cup title. There was drama surrounding the substitute goalkeeper.
Record winners Egypt can continue to rely on their main man in the knockout rounds of the Africa Cup: After converting the decisive penalty against Côte d’Ivoire in the round of 16, Mohamed Salah also decided the quarter-final against Morocco on Sunday – and can continue to hope for his first title with the Pharaohs after the next feat.
The clash in Cameroon’s capital Yaoundé began with an upset in temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius: Boufal converted a penalty to give Morocco the lead (6th) after referee Maguette Ndiaye had only recognised Ashraf’s clear foul on Hakimi to the right of the penalty area (3rd) after VAR intervention.
Morocco with Barkok – Salah’s tap-in brings Egypt back
The Egyptians, with substitute goalkeeper Abou Gabal in goal because number 1 El-Shenawy had been injured in the round of 16, had more of the game after that. But the attacking line around Salah, Mohamed and VfB striker Marmoush struggled to create chances. Halfway dangerous shots from distance were no problem for keeper Bono.
And so it was that the Moroccans, with Frankfurt’s Barkok rotated into the starting eleven, were able to take the lead after a first half that was characterised by constant discussions.
Egypt coach Carlos Queiroz brought on winger Trezeguet for the stricken centre-back Hegazi in the second half and the Aston Villa pro came close to equalising after a fine individual effort from Salah, but missed (49th). But then Salah was on hand: the Liverpool goal-scorer dusted down a Marmoush corner to make it 1-1 after Bono had directed Abdelmonem’s header to his feet.
Egypt’s substitute goalkeeper is substituted after all – then Trezeguet strikes
In an increasingly heated duel, Egypt, now repeatedly driven by Salah, were initially in control. In the 62nd minute, Saiss straddled the ball to prevent Marmoush from turning the game completely – while Abou Gabal headed Aguerd’s header against the crossbar (81st). The goalkeeper was injured, but refused to be substituted.
It was only shortly after the start of extra time that the veteran, who had turned 33 the day before, had a change of heart and made way for Sobhy, Egypt’s number 3. A short time later, they were both jubilant: Salah feinted successfully on the right and set up Trezeguet perfectly for 2-1 (100th). Morocco were challenged – but cut their teeth.
Without allowing another chance worth mentioning – and without scoring the supposedly safe “Empty Net” goal to make it 3-1 (Zizo, 120.+2) – Egypt brought the lead home and can take the next step towards their eighth title, the first since 2010, in the semi-final against hosts Cameroon on Wednesday. For Morocco, who had lost only once in the 32 international matches before, the tournament is over.
