Cameroon 0-0 (1-3) Egypt: 5 talking points as Salah and Mane set to clash in the AFCON final | 2021 AFCON

Egypt held their ground against host Cameroon and defeated them on penalties. It has allowed them to set a date with the last edition's runner-up Senegal in the 2021 AFCON title-decider.

After the game finished goalless in regular time, the teams could not be separated even after 30 minutes of extra-time. Egypt proved to be the better side in the penalty shootout, converting all three of their penalties as the home side missed three in a row.

Cameroon had a bigger say in the game at the start and even struck the crossbar in the 18th minute. They allowed the visiting side to have just a single shot on target in the game but will be kicking themselves for missing the importanct chances.

As Egypt exacted revenge of the loss in the 2017 final against the Indomitable Lions, let's take a look at the five talking points from the game.

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#5 Cameroon's aggressive play didn't allow Egypt to build up attacking moves

Cameroon were the better side physically in the game

The hosts had the upper hand in terms of pace and physical presence against the seven-time champions and they made full use of it. They easily dispossessed their opponents and outmuscled them in the middle of the park.

Karl Toko Ekambi caused a heap of trouble for the defenders as his runs down the flanks exposed the gap in the defensive lines. In the first half, the visiting side struggled to contain the hosts and attacking chances became a rarity.

The game had to be paused on multiple occasions as Cameroon's direct approach left multiple players from the visiting squad flat on the pitch.

Carlos Queiroz's men struggled to gain momentum throughout the game against such an aggressive style of play but ensured a tight ship at the back.

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#4 Egypt keep their cool in yet another penalty shootout

Egypt won two of their three knockout stage games on penalties

Having been shut out in the attacking third by a stubborn and physical Cameroon defense, the visiting side had to face yet another penalty shootout in the competition. It was their second venture, having won the first one just a week ago against Ivory Coast.

That game also ended in a goalless draw but the seven-time champions displayed composure from 12 yards out. They converted every single one of their penalties to secure a 5-4 win on penalties.

Mo Salah didn't even have to step up to take a penalty against Cameroon as three consecutive misses from Cameroon sealed Egypt's win on the night.

Needless to say, they will be feeling very confident if the final against Senegal also goes to penalties. However, Sadio Mane's form in the knockout stages might help conclude the game in regular time.

#3 Gabaski the hero again for Egypt

Egypt won on penalties thanks to two saves from Gabaski

As we have seen throughout the 2021 AFCON, defenses have won games for the teams and Egypt have been no exception to the same. They have conceded just two goals in their run to the final and won two penalty shootouts.

Of all the players, goalkeeper Gabaski stood out against Cameroon and produced not one but two saves in the shoot-out. FIrst he denied Harold Moukoudi and then against guessed the right way to prevent James Léa Siliki's effort.

He was injured in the first half and was about to be substituted but he held on and that proved to be a great decision. He was not even the first-choice keeper for the team but assumed a key role after Mohamed El Shenawy was injured against Ivory Coast.

Gabaski produced a remarkable save with two minutes left on the clock in that game as they won it on penalties. While everyone expected Mo Salah to step up here, the keeper has emerged as an unlikely star for them in the competition.

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#2 Mo Salah kept quiet by Cameroon defense

Mo Salah failed to make in impact in the semi-final game

Mo Salah has two goals and an assist in the ongoing AFCON but was largely an anonymous figure in the semi-final tie against Cameroon. The hosts always had a player marking the Liverpool forward and didn't offer much space to the speedy winger.

His only chance of the game came when Martin Hongla's short back pass set him through onto goal but Andre Onana rushed forward in time to make a great save.

It seems a simple tactic but keeping Salah isolated and away from the run of play seems to be paying off. Senegal will be taking notes from this game and might implement a similar tactic here.

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#1 Egypt secure a record 10th appearance in the final

Egypt have won the AFCON seven time so far

While it might not have been a remarkable victory, it was enough for the visiting side to secure a place in the final for the first time since 2017. They had lost that match to Cameroon.

This also helped them overcome Ghana as the nation with the most appearances in the title-decider.The game against Senegal will be their 10th appearance in the final.

Egypt have a great record in the final and have won the title seven times in their previous nine title-deciders.They will head into the game with a certain amount of confidence, though they need to work on their attacking output against Sadio Mane and co.