Egypt's 44-year-old goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary was his country's hero Wednesday, saving two Burkina Faso penalties to send the Pharaohs through to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final.
Egypt's 44-year-old goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary was his country's hero Wednesday, saving two Burkina Faso penalties to send the Pharaohs through to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final.
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Burkina Faso's fans went into the match with confidence, as the Stallions had won their previous semifinal clash in 2013.
Burkina Faso's fans went into the match with confidence, as the Stallions had won their previous semifinal clash in 2013.
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But Mohamed Salah gave Egypt the lead just after the hour mark, curling a brilliant effort into the top corner.
But Mohamed Salah gave Egypt the lead just after the hour mark, curling a brilliant effort into the top corner.
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However, it wasn't long before Burkina Faso leveled. Aristide Bance brought the ball down on his chest brilliantly and volleyed past El-Hadary.
However, it wasn't long before Burkina Faso leveled. Aristide Bance brought the ball down on his chest brilliantly and volleyed past El-Hadary.
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It was the first goal the veteran stopper had conceded in over 10 hours of AFCON action, a run dating back to 2010.
It was the first goal the veteran stopper had conceded in over 10 hours of AFCON action, a run dating back to 2010.
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With the scores level after 90 minutes, the match went into extra time.
With the scores level after 90 minutes, the match went into extra time.
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After a goalless 30 minutes, the match went to a penalty shootout. Burkina Faso goalkeeper Herve Koffi looked set to be the hero, saving Abdallah El Said's penalty to give his side the advantage.
After a goalless 30 minutes, the match went to a penalty shootout. Burkina Faso goalkeeper Herve Koffi looked set to be the hero, saving Abdallah El Said's penalty to give his side the advantage.
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However, the 20-year-old Koffi saw his own penalty saved by El-Hadary, before teammate Bertrand Traore suffered the same fate.
However, the 20-year-old Koffi saw his own penalty saved by El-Hadary, before teammate Bertrand Traore suffered the same fate.
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It means El-Hadary now has the chance to win his fifth AFCON title in Sunday's final.
It means El-Hadary now has the chance to win his fifth AFCON title in Sunday's final.
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