(Football news) Egypt beat the host nation Cameroon on penalties after they played out a 0-0 draw after extra time. Goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal pulled off two spectacular saves in the penalty shootout as Egypt edged past the hosts Cameroon 3-1 in the penalty shootout to reach the final of Africa Cup of Nations. Egypt will be aiming to win their record-extending eighth AFCON title when they face Senegal in the final. The clash will see Liverpool teammates Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane play against each other as friends become rivals in the final.

The match itself delivered few highlights, played on a heavy pitch that sapped the energy out of the players as in the first half Karl Toko Ekambi might have also found the net in the first period for the hosts but his 32nd minute effort lacked power and looped up for goalkeeper Abou Gabal to comfortably catch. A second half strike from Samuel Oum Gouet also clipped the Egypt crossbar but the game seemed destined for penalties as both sides failed to put together any sort of meaningful attack. The defeat comes as a major blow to Cameroon, whose tournament was overshadowed by the stampede outside the stadium that led to eight deaths last week. The semi final was the first game back at the Olembe Stadium since last week's tragedy. The Confederation of African Football moved one of the quarterfinals from the venue while seeking assurances of improved security from the Cameroonian authorities.

Also read: Senegal reach their second consecutive AFCON final after beating Burkina Faso

Egypt could have won in the last minute of extra time when Ramadan Sobhi whipped in a cross from the right that had three teammates attempting to get on the end of it but all missed out on providing a finishing touch. Cameroon center back Michael Ngadeu Ngadjui had the best chances of a first half that was low on tempo, high on ball turn over and short on opportunity. The defender hit the crossbar with a header from a corner after 18 minutes and then scuffed an opportunity from the set-piece that followed straight after. Mo Salah also missed a golden chance late in the match when he only had to beat the keeper one on one

Mo Salah has done the unthinkable and taken Egypt to their second final in the last three editions to stamp their authority as one of the leading teams in Africa. Ever since he was made captain of the Egyptian national team, Salah has transcended his nation to a different level. If he wins the AFCON there is a good chance that Salah might be the front runner for the Ballon D'or this season. The only major concern going into the final would be that they will be without coach Carlos Queiroz who is suspended for the final after being sent off in Thursday's second half for constantly bickering with the referee.