Penalty Curse Strikes Again: Egypt's AFCON Dream Dies in Nigeria Shootout
17 January 2026
Context and stakes
Egypt’s national team extended its frustrating run in penalty shootouts at the Africa Cup of Nations, losing to Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in regular time.
What happened on the day
The match finished level, sending the contest to penalties where Nigeria clinched third place. This setback adds to a string of recent AFCON shootout defeats for Egypt, who had previously prevailed in six shootouts before this streak.
In the wider context, Egypt also endured penalty heartbreak in past AFCON campaigns, including a 2021 final defeat to Senegal in Cameroon, while Nigeria’s journey in the tournament saw them eliminated by Morocco on penalties in another close duel.
Beyond Africa’s continental stage, Egypt’s recent World Cup campaigns have likewise been shaped by late drama from the spot, notably their bid against Senegal in 2022 qualifiers.
Historical notes
Egypt’s semifinal loss to Senegal (1-0) and Nigeria’s shootout defeat against Morocco illustrate a recurring theme: penalties decide big moments, sometimes against the odds.
Punchlines: If penalties were a sniper duel, Egypt would still be reloading—live drama, zero accuracy. And in the sport of aim, maybe the goalposts should install a warning sign: 'caution, you are about to miss again.'
