Egypt deny Cameroon on penalties to book Afcon final against Senegal

Sometimes an outcome feels certain and, on this occasion, an Egypt win on penalties fitted that bracket. They are a tough watch and, against a Cameroon side that was lively but blunt, seemed content to grind through two hours’ play in order for a shot at what they do so expertly.

Their sixth consecutive win in a shoot-out, and their second in this Africa Cup of Nations, brings a final against Senegal and, for those marketing the tournament, a battle between the continent’s two star turns. In the event Mohamed Salah was not required to take a spot kick after Cameroon fluffed their lines from three, Clinton Njie lifting the final penalty high. Cameroon fell short in the first match to be played at Stade Olembé since eight fans died in a crush 10 days ago.

The stadium had reopened its doors but, despite the efforts of those present, this hardly felt like the kind of festival the tournament’s organisers might have envisaged a fortnight ago. The attendance at kick off was fairly sparse, even though it would be bolstered by a section of 900 Egypt fans whose aeroplanes had cut it fine.

Outside, the extra measures employed to avoid a repeat of last Monday’s tragedy appeared to be working: security personnel managed crowd control to the most minute detail, even upbraiding anyone deemed to be walking too quickly, and this time all the gates required for safe passage inside were kept open.

But they were undoubtedly helped by the fact that many had chosen to stay away, making an under half-full arena a visually glum monument to what had passed. The vibrant scenes on the streets of nearby neighbourhoods in the buildup offered a reminder, at least, that the empty seats bore no correlation to the country’s passion for its national