El Hadary Could Have Saved That Three Times: Wael Gomaa Calls Out Shennawy After Senegal’s Semifinal Win
14 January 2026
Match Reaction: El Hadary’s Legacy in Question
Egypt’s goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy faced renewed scrutiny after Senegal edged past Egypt 1-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations semifinal (Morocco 2025).
Gomaa’s Take: Three Saves and a Legend
Wael Gomaa, the former Al Ahly and Egypt star, criticized the Pharaohs’ stopper during his analysis on BeIN Sports, saying Essam El-Hadary would have saved three times that shot and would have made a decisive difference in such a crunch game. He noted that crucial matches demand a goalkeeper who can swing a result, not merely parry routine strikes.
Gomaa added that when you strive to reach the final, you need a goalie who helps the team, not just one who stops the ball. Shennawy should have reacted better to the goal.
Gomaa even quipped that in finals, a goalkeeper should carry more than gloves—perhaps a cape to boost confidence. If El Hadary could save three times, this one might need a sequel in the memory of a legend.
With Senegal’s victory, the Lions of Teranga will face the winner of Nigeria vs Morocco in the final of CAN 2025.
