Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal smashes sudden death penalty into the crossbar against DR Congo as AFCON favourites crash out of the competition during Mohamed Salah’s absence

Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal missed his vital penalty in Sunday’s AFCON round of 16 clash against DR Congo as his side crashed out of the competition.

The match finished level at 1-1 after extra time and proceeded to penalties that saw the spot-kick score level at 7-7 prior to the Egyptian shot-stopper stepping up to take his effort.

The 34-year-old, also known as Gabaski, looked nervous before smashing his powerful strike into the crossbar to give Congo a golden chance at scoring the winner. 

Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi didn’t make the same mistake with his effort as the 29-year-old smashed his penalty past a dejected Gabaski and secure Egypt’s elimination.

Mohamed Salah was absent from Egypt’s final match at the competition after returning back to Liverpool while he recovers from an injury sustained in the group stages. 

Congo players and coaching staff stormed onto the pitch at the Stade de San Pedro in Ivory Coast upon their goalkeeper’s penalty finding the back of the net.

Egypt’s premature departure from the African Cup of Nations comes as a huge surprise with the nation the competition’s record title holders with seven tournament trophies.

They were beaten in the last series of the competition by Senegal in the final in 2021 and exit at the round of 16 stage this year following defeat to Congo.

Salah’s absence severely weakened Egypt’s attacking quality and the north African nation struggled to create significant attempts on goal in regular time.

Gabal smashed his penalty effort over the bar to give Congo a chance to win the match

Egypt players were dejected as they crashed out of the African Cup of Nations on Sunday

Mohamed Salah was absent for Egypt’s crunch clash as he recovers from injury back in England

Congo initially took the lead through a Meschak Elia strike before Egypt levelled from the penalty spot via Ligue 1 striker Mostafa Mohamed. 

Reacting to Gabaski’s miss from 12-yards, one social media comment read: ‘The best penalty shootout I’ve watched in a while. The Egypt keeper reminded me of De Gea in the Europa league shootout. AFCON delivers once again.’

Another added: ‘LOOOOL Keeper blazing a penalty over the bar to send Egypt home, I love AFCON so much honestly.’

A third post said: ‘Egypt have been eliminated. Congo are through to the next round of the AFCON This is the best AFCON ever!’