AFCON 2025: Egypt Delivers a Bold Fourth After a Penalty Showdown With Nigeria

Match notes

Mohamed El-Shenawy, Egypt's goalkeeper, thanked the Pharaohs' players for their performance at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after finishing fourth following Nigeria's 2-4 defeat in a dramatic shootout last night.

Shenawy said in statements to BeIN Sports after the match that everyone followed the instructions, with spirit and discipline.

Post-match reactions

He clarified that the Egyptian side defied expectations by reaching the semi-finals, stressing that penalties decided Nigeria's third place after their players' accuracy.

He added that he thanks the coaching staff led by Hossam Hassan and the federation for providing support to players.

He added: 'I reject canceling AFCON's third place because it offers good chance to involve players who did not get involved'.

He concluded that the Egyptian team gained some players in Nigeria match after bringing five faces, who looked good.

Punchline 1: If penalties were a sniper duel, Egypt rang the bell and Nigeria missed—bullseye, folks.

Punchline 2: The takeaway? Five fresh players in a shootout can feel like a surprise blind date—things can still click or crash in spectacular fashion.