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AFCON

Egypt call for AFCON final to be delayed by a day

After being taken to at least extra-time for the third game running, the Pharaohs want an extra 24 hours to prepare for the final against Senegal.

Egypt's players celebrate after winning 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. (Photo by Daniel BELOUMOU OLOMO / AFP)
DANIEL BELOUMOU OLOMOAFP

Egypt's assistant coach Diaa al-Sayed has called for Sunday's AFCON final against Senegal to be delayed by 24 hours to give his side more recovery time.

Record seven-time winners Egypt beat tournament hosts Cameroon 3-1 on penalties on Thursday after neither side could find a way through in 120 goalless minutes.

Carlos Queiroz's men have been taken to a shoot-out in two of their three knockout games, with the other going into extra-time. Senegal, on the other hand, have got the job done inside regulation time on each occasion.

Egypt pose prior to 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.
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Egypt pose prior to 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.CHARLY TRIBALLEAUAFP

And with Senegal having an extra 24 hours' rest between their semi-final win against Burkina Faso and Sunday's final in Yaounde, Al-Sayed wants the game moved to Monday.

"I ask CAF that the final be played on Monday," said Al-Sayed, who was speaking to reporters after Queiroz was sent off during the Cameroon clash.

"There is one more day of recovery for Senegal."

The third-place play-off between Cameroon and Burkina Faso was due to be played on Sunday, but it has been brought forward to Saturday following talks with local government, though no explanation has been given.

Al-Sayed added: "I hope that, as we have changed the date for the third game, we will now play [the final on] Monday."