Africa-Press – Zambia. At age 44, Essam El-Hadary continues to make football headlines, not only because he is the oldest player at an African Cup of Nations (AFCON) but because his agility and alertness since he broke onto the scene seem not to wane.
The Pharaohs of Egypt – are the continent’s most decorated national side. They have seven AFCON titles, a number almost double their closest contenders – Cameroon and Ghana who have five and four titles respectively.
They came into the tournament with El-Hadary as the second choice goalie but it was not long before the man who had been the first choice for over a decade was called to duty after the first choice goalie, got injured in their first game. From the subs bench he came in as captain.
Whiles the Egyptian defence is largely credited with being mean and allowing in few goals, El-Hadary’s most recent heroics had nothing to do with a defensive cover. The 44-year-old saved two penalties in their semi-final clash against Burkina Faso and sent Egypt into the finals.
The global sports headlines won’t focus on Egypt’s team qualification neither will they emphasize how unfortunate it was for the dominant Burkinabes to be kicked out with spot kicks.
The news from Libreville was all about how El-Hadary had fired Egypt to greater history making. Great story: Egypt’s 44-year-old keeper Essam El-Hadary saves two penalties in shoot out to take his side into African Cup of Nations final
Egypt’s Essam El-Hadary is dominating AFCON 2017 at the age of 44… 5 Games 4 Clean Sheets 4 Wins 2 Pens Saved 1 Goal Conceded. Unfortunately, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon stood in the way of the Pharaohs coming from behind to beat their opponents and pick their fifth AFCON crown.
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