Egypt, seven-time AFCON champions, in a surprising turn of events, faced elimination despite a symbolic cow sacrifice aimed at summoning good fortune.
The Pharaohs lost a heart-stopping penalty shootout 8-7 to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in a last-16 clash on Sunday night.
As reported by Leadership, Egypt’s team spokesman, Mohamed Morad, had told the Associated Press (AP) on Friday that the country’s Football Federation killed the cow and distributed the meat to needy people in Cairo, Egypt earlier on Thursday.
However, the ritual failed to secure victory.
Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi became the hero for the Congolese, securing the decisive penalty and leading them to a quarterfinal showdown with Guinea.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah’s dream of lifting the trophy upon his return from injury was dashed as Egypt’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Abou Gabal, missed a critical penalty.
The intense match saw Meschack Elia giving Congo DR an early lead, answered by Mostafa Mohamed’s penalty for Egypt on the stroke of halftime.
Despite a red card for Egypt’s Mohamed Hamdy in extra time, they held on until the penalty shootout, marking the end of their AFCON journey.
This defeat for Egypt against Congo DR breaks a 50-year streak, with the last such loss occurring in the semifinals when Congo DR eventually lifted the trophy.
The match also highlighted Egypt’s ongoing struggle with draws, marking their sixth consecutive draw in Cote d’Ivoire and fifth extra-time in successive knockout games.
