Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations journey ended in familiar heartbreak, falling to DR Congo 8-7 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi converted the decisive spot-kick, sending his team through to the quarter-finals.
This marked the fourth consecutive knockout game in the 2021 tournament where Egypt required extra time, echoing their penalty shootout defeat to Senegal in the final.
Despite Mostafa Mohamed’s penalty goal (his fourth in a row), cancelling out Meschack Elia’s opener, Egypt were dealt a blow with Mohamed Hamdy’s red card in the 97th minute.
The Pharaohs persevered through extra time but faltered in the penalty shootout.
Mohamed missed his second attempt from the spot, and goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal’s miss proved costly.
Mpasi held his nerve for DR Congo, securing their victory and a last-eight clash against Guinea.