Egypt’s long‑standing strength in penalty shootouts has turned into a painful curse after another defeat from the spot at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Pharaohs lost 4–2 on penalties to Nigeria in the third‑place playoff in Casablanca after a 0–0 draw in normal time, extending a miserable recent run.
This latest setback marks Egypt’s third consecutive AFCON exit via penalties, a stark contrast to the past when they won six straight shootouts in the competition. Before falling to Nigeria, Egypt were knocked out by DR Congo on penalties in the last 16 at AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast.
Spot kicks also denied Egypt the title at AFCON 2021 in Cameroon, when Senegal triumphed in the final shootout. The same opponent then shattered Egyptian hopes again in World Cup qualifying, with Senegal winning another penalty decider to claim a place at Qatar 2022.
At this year’s tournament, Egypt had already lost 1–0 to Senegal in the semi finals, while Nigeria themselves had just been beaten on penalties by hosts Morocco, underlining how decisive shootouts have become in African football.
