Egypt’s 44-year-old goalkeeper saved two penalties as the seven-times champions reached the Africa Cup of Nations final by edging out Burkina Faso 4-3 in a semi-final shootout on Wednesday.
El Hadary saved the last two kicks from Burkina Faso after Egypt had squandered their opening shot and looked to be on their way out of the tournament.
The oldest player to compete at a major championship stopped penalties from his opposite number, Hervé Koffi, and Bertrand Traoré.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw after the former Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah gave Egypt a 66th-minute lead but Burkina equalised seven minutes later through Aristide Bancé.
Egypt, on course for a record extending eighth title, now await their opponents in Sunday’s final in Libreville as Ghana and Cameroon play on Thursday in Franceville in the second semi.
The result was a cruel blow to the Burkinabe who were much the more adventurous team but could not finish their chances. They were forced to come back after Egypt snatched the lead through Salah with a superb curling shot into the top corner at the end of a rare attack.
Egypt, who had not conceded a goal in the tournament, finally had their defences breached when a clever backheel from Steeve Yago and a chip from the captain, Charles Kaboré, was swept home from close range by Bancé.
El Hadary, who won titles in 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010, was busy in the game, particularly in the closing stages as he made a fine stop from Traoré’s free-kick and tipped over an effort from Banou Diawara on the stroke of full time.
“We knew it would be difficult because Burkina were powerful and very quick. They were much fitter than us. They were even better in the second half with aggressive attacking. They wasted so many chances,” said Egypt’s coach, Héctor Cúper. “Our players were fatigued so we aimed for the penalties because anything could happen there.”
Abdallah El Said had the first kick in the shootout saved to give Burkina an immediate advantage but El Hadary held firm in the end.
“We should have won because we showed our skills and stamina and determination and we had the opportunities,” said the Burkina coach, Paulo Duarte.
Courtesy: THE GUARDIAN
Good game.
Comment:The best goalkeeper so far