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In a clashed match marked by altercations, Egypt finally won their duel against Morocco after extra time (2-1). Mohamed Salah was essential to the qualification of the Pharaohs in the semi-finals of CAN-2022.
The Pharaohs join Cameroon in the semi-finals of CAN-2022. In a match marred by faults and protests, Egypt finally won in extra time against Vahid Halilhodzic’s Morocco (2-1) in the quarter-finals of the African Cup. Mohamed Salah scored the first goal before offering the second to Trezeguet.
While the two teams are still observing each other, Hakimi escapes into the box and is dried off by Ashraf. The referee refuses to indicate the penalty spot but reconsiders his decision when the VAR calls him after several minutes. Boufal does not need to be asked to deceive Gabasky (7th, 1-0).
Forced to play because of this early opener, Egypt pushed forward. Morocco defends in solidarity, as a whole, and repels the assaults. Ashraf tries a heavy shot from outside the box. Well placed, Bounou manages to repel the attempt with both fists (20th). Then, after a first free kick from Salah laboriously repelled by the defense, the ball returned to Mostafa Mohamed, at the entrance to the area, who placed a powerful shot on which Bounou won (24th).
Both teams show great things technically but the physical commitment is such that the interruptions of play prevent the match from being pleasant to watch. Under these conditions, Hakimi tries to double the bet on a free kick but comes close to the amount (33rd).
The Pharaohs restart very strongly after returning from the locker room. Salah and the newcomer Trezeguet combine at the entrance to the Moroccan surface. The Aston Villa player finally manages to turn around and send a sudden cross shot that just misses the goal of Bounou 49th).
Inevitable Salah
Then Salah brings back Egypt. Following a corner, Abdelmonem takes the ball with his head, Bounou makes a reflex stop on his line. “Mo” prowls and recovers the ball for a fox goal from the surfaces (53rd, 1-1)
Mo Salah delivering again. Scores, assists, leads. We’re witnessing one of the all-time greats in his prime.
– TikTok Sports (@TikTokSports) January 30, 2022
Then begins a real trench warfare between the two teams. Each intervention is supported and at the limit of legality when it does not frankly exceed it. Cards rained down and altercations between players multiplied.
Despite everything, the context manages to regain control of the game by pushing, especially on free kicks Munir El-Haddadi. Aguerd finds Gabasky’s crossbar in the continuity of one of these set pieces (81st). Unique real thrill which causes the beginning of an injury to the Egyptian goalkeeper.
The extension begins under the same auspices and Gabasky, despite his protests, and finally forced to leave his family, leaving his place to Sohbi (96th). And finally, Mohamed Salah liberates Egypt. Escaped on the right side, he fixes the defense then the goalkeeper before slipping the ball for Trezeguet who only has to push it into the back of the net (100th, 1-2).
The Moroccans throw their last strength to come back but it lacks precision and inspiration. Like this completely missed final free kick, which almost ended in a gag goal because Bounou had gone up (120th).
The Pharaohs win this huge battle against Morocco. In a closed and tough match with a lot of tension, the partners of https://www.france24.com/fr/sports/20211227-mohamed-salah-le-pharaon-qui-a-converti-les-fans-de-liverpool Mohamed Salah managed to come back to the score before making the difference in extra time. They win the right to face the host country, Cameroon, in its Olembé stadium, rehabilitated by CAF despite the movement of deadly crowds last week.
Relive the match with our liveblog
