Egypt booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals after edging past Ivory Coast, setting up a mouth-watering last-four meeting with Senegal.
The tie was tight from the start, with both sides careful in possession and quick to close spaces. Chances were limited in open play as the match developed into a battle of patience and discipline.
Egypt tried to raise the tempo through their wide areas, while Ivory Coast looked to stretch the pitch and threaten on the break. Despite spells of pressure at both ends, neither team could find the breakthrough in normal time.
As the game moved deeper into the contest, the physical side of the matchup grew, and the margins became even smaller. Goalkeepers were called into action when needed, but the finishing touch remained missing, keeping the score level.
With the deadlock still unbroken after extra time, the match was decided on penalties, where Egypt held their nerve to see off Ivory Coast and complete the qualification.
The win sends Egypt through to face Senegal in the AFCON semi-finals, as the seven-time champions continue their push for another continental title.
