YAOUNDE: In an attritional first half where Cameroon was on top, the tournament hosts almost took the lead in the 17th minute through Michael Ngadeu but his looping header from a corner crashed off the post.

Two minutes later and the Gent defender squandered another glorious opportunity from a corner, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa cleverly flicked the ball into his path at the near post but the 31-year-old miskicked his shot, coming off his standing leg.

The closest either side came to scoring in the second half was through Cameroon’s Samuel Gouet who fired an audacious 40-yard strike on goal which blasted off the post.

And in the final moments of a scrappy contest before the full-time whistle blew, Egypt boss Carlos Quieroz was shown a second yellow card for his complaints towards the referee Bakary Gassama, much to the annoyance of Mohamed Salah before extra-time commenced.

In the last minute of an extra-time with legs tiring, substitute Ramadan Sobhi fired a dangerous cross from the byline which evaded three Egypt players four yards out from goal before penalties commenced.

Cameroon’s second spot-kick from Harold Moukoudi was comfortably saved by Gabal, who then doubled up by saving James Lea Siliki’s effort.

Clinton N’Jie stepped up to take Cameroon’s fourth to keep the Indomitable Lions in the game, but he fired his penalty harmlessly wide to the delight of the Pharaohs.

Cameroon had the better chances in a match that had 37 fouls while Egypt had only one shot on target.

Nevertheless, Egypt’s defensive resilience paid off as they continually broke up Cameroon’s momentum and survived a nervy contest.