The 44-year-old only got his chance after an injury to Egypt's first choice, but he proved the hero to deny Burkina Faso in a nail-biting semi
Veteran goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary was the hero as Egypt progressed to the Africa Cup of Nations final on penalties at the expense of Burkina Faso.
The 44-year-old saved from opposite number Kouakou Herve Koffi and Bertrand Traore to seal a 4-3 victory on spot-kicks following a 1-1 draw in Libreville.
u200bThe Pharaohs, who had not conceded a goal en route to the last four, were second best for much of Wednesday's clash, but the seven-time champions still extended their unbeaten run in the competition to 24 matches.