Egypt have qualified for final of the Africa Cup of Nations after securing a 4-3 penalty win over Burkina Faso in the first of the semifinal games played on Wednesday.

Veteran goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary was the hero for the Egyptians,saving Bertnard Traore penalty kick to secure victory,pushing Egypt into a record ninth Afcon finals.

Before the game, Egypt had not conceded any goal at the 2017 AFCON and when Mohammed Salah put the Pharaohs in front in the 66th minute, when he curled a superb shot into the top left corner,sending an early indications that Pharaohs did not want to lose the match.

The Burkinabe however levelled when Aristide Bance was able to breach the Egyptian defense, chesting down Charles Kabore’s cross to volley shot into the back of the net in the 73rd minute.

With the two teams tied at 1-1, the game stretched into extra time where El-Hadary proved his experience keeping out shots from Prejudice Nakoulma and Bonau Diawara with the seven-time African champions prevailed 4-3.

Egypt now have a chance to stretch their record when they face whoever emerges as their opponent between Ghana and Cameroon from the other semifinal contest.

Burkina Faso XI: Koffi, Yago, Dayo, B. Koné, Y. Coulibaly, Kaboré, I. Touré, R. Traoré, B. Traoré, Bancé, Nakoulma.

Egypt XI : El-Hadary, El Mohamady, Hegazy, Gabr, Fathy, Hamed, M. Salah, I. Salah, Said, Trezeguet, Kahraba.