Mohamed Elneny will be making his way back to London today after Egypt lost 8-7 on penalties to DR Congo in the last 16 of the African Cup of Nations.
The two sides traded goals in the first half, Mostafa Mohamed’s penalty cancelling out Meschack Elia’s header, but they couldn’t be split after 120 minutes.
The subsequent shootout was a tight affair that ended in heartbreak for Egypt keeper Gabaski. A penalty-saving hero during his country’s run to the final in 2022, the Al Ahly stopper hit the bar with his effort and then watched helplessly as Congo’s keeper, Lionel Mpasi, calmly slotted home the winner.
Having sat out Egypt’s last group game, Elneny was restored to the starting lineup and played 112 minutes to take his total number of caps to 97.
It’ll be interesting to see whether any clubs make a last-ditch attempt to sign him in the remaining days of the transfer market. He’s out of contract in the summer, a long way down the midfield pecking order and would probably like to use the momentum he’s built in the last few weeks to play more regularly in the second half of the season.
Shame for Egypt.
But at least it allows Mo to be available for the Liverpool game.
As if he is gonna feature.
I’m worried about their Mo
Their Mo is injured is he not? hammy I think.
They don’t need their Mo or their first team to beat us.
We need Japan to crash out too (no offence)
Round of 16 not quarter finals.
Yep the one we don’t need is first back.
Egypt’s big mistake was taking Elneny off in the 112th minute, so he didn’t get a chance at the pens. He is deadly from the spot. I have not the slightest idea if this is true, having never seen him take one. But it’s a corollary to the way an injured player is better and better the longer he is absent.
If Dec and Partey are out for a few weeks Mo could see a few starts