Egypt beat tournament hosts Cameroon 3-1 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes to set up an Africa Cup of Nations final showdown against Senegal.
Cameroon had dominated the first half – Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui hitting the post in the pick of the chances – but let the game run away from them as Egypt took control of the tie.
However, despite a number of close efforts neither side could find the net in 120 minutes of action.
Egypt went into their second penalty shootout of AFCON 2021 – having also beaten the Ivory Coast on spot-kicks in the last 16 – without manager Carlos Queiroz, who was sent off in the 90th minute of normal time after receiving two quick yellow cards.
But his absence did the Pharaohs no harm as they eased through, scoring all three of their penalties. Cameroon, meanwhile, saw two of their efforts saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal before Clinton N’Jie sent the fourth well wide to see the hosts crash out in front of their home fans.
Cameroon will now face Burkina Faso in the third-place play-off on Saturday, before Egypt face Senegal in Sunday’s final as Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane go head to head.
