Egypt have defeated hosts Cameroon 3-1 on penalties to enter the final of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in Yaounde on Thursday.

Goalkeeper, Mohamed Abou Gabal, also known as Gabaski, was the hero for the Egyptians after saving three consecutive spot kicks to leave the home crowd devastated.

The Indomitable Lions were held to a goalless draw by the Pharaohs of Egypt for 120 minutes, including extra and additional time.

Former African Footballer of the Year, Mohammed Salah, endured a frustrating time on the pitch as he was kept at bay by the Cameroonian defence.

Cameroon threatened the visitors but failed to break the deadlock as Michael Ngadeu and Samuel Oum Gouet hit the woodwork.

Egypt, on the other end, were handed a golden opportunity through a backpass that fell to the feet of captain, Salah, but the Liverpool ace was denied by Andre Onana who made a clinical block outside his 18-yard area.

The Pharaohs’ gaffer, Carlos Queiroz, will miss the final after he was sent off a few minutes before extra time, leaving the Egyptians without their coach but the Pharaohs remained sturdy, forcing the hosts into penalties.

Captain Aboubakar sent Gabaski the wrong way to give the hosts the lead before Zizo reciprocated with an ice-cold finish against Onana who also went the wrong way.

Gabaski then stole the show by saving Moukoudi and Siliki’s penalties back to back while Abdelmonem and Lashin converted theirs to ensure Egypt go 3-1 up.

N’jie had Cameroon’s hopes on his feet when he stepped up to take the final penalty but fired it into the delightful hands of Gabaski who completed a hat-trick of saves to send the Pharaohs into the final.

Victory for Quieroz’s side ensured that Egypt avenged their defeat by Cameroon in the 2017 AFCON final in Gabon.

Egypt will play Senegal in the final on Sunday as they target a record eighth AFCON trophy.

Meanwhile, both teams will go head to head again in March after being drawn together in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers playoff.

The winner of the two-legged encounter will win the ticket to the World Cup in Qatar.