Egypt s defender Mohamed Abdel-Moneim reacts during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 semi-final football match between Cameroon and Egypt at Stade d Olembe in Yaounde on February 3, 2022. AFP
Egypt defeated hosts Cameroon 3-1 on penalties following a 0-0 draw in Olembe on Thursday to reach the Nations Cup final and edge closer to a record-extending eighth crown.
"Thanks to God for this victory and for reaching the final. Fatigue? It is not important. Even if we are going to play (the final) after 24 hours, we still want to win the title. We respect Senegal but we want to return home with the trophy," Abdel-Moneim told beIN Sports in a pitch-side interview.
The 23-year-old was given the man of the match award after producing commanding display to keep at bay Cameroon's fearsome attacking duo Vincent Aboubakar and Karl-Toko Ekambi, who have scored 11 goals between them.
"I dedicate this award to my teammates, who helped my a lot during the game. It is the result of teamwork," he added.
Abdel-Moneim has been one of Egypt's standout performers despite his little experience. He was expected to play a bit-part role, only to be thrown into the fray after regular defenders Mahmoud El-Wensh and Ahmed Hegazi were injured.
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