Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan feels that Egypt goalkeeper, Mohamed Abou Gabal was actually the best goalkeeper of the just ended 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
The continental showpiece came to an end on Sunday with Senegal emerging as winners over Egypt.
The Egyptian shot stopper was the hero when the Pharaohs silenced hosts, Cameroon, in the semifinal last Thursday as he saved two penalties in a dramatic shoot-out against Cameroon.
Before their game against Cameroon, Egypt had beaten the Elephants of Ivory Coast on penalty too, with Gabaski saving one of the Ivoirians’ kicks.
In the final, Gabaski who ply his trade for Zamalek saved Sadio Mane’s penalty on the 7th minute but unfortunately lost the cup on penalty shoot-outs to Senegal.
Despite Eduard Mendy winning the goalkeeper of the tournament, the former Sunderland attacker feels the Egyptian shot stopper should have won the prize considering the key role he played for the North African side.
“For me I feel Gabaski has got that positive energy he uses to follow the team. For ten years, for him to be a second goalkeeper, there’s something he is doing behind the scenes to help the players.
“Even when he’s on the field, the way he controls them you would see he’s a motivator. That’s why he’s been there all these years and when he had his chance, he was able to deliver. For me, I feel he was the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
“No disrespect to Mendy but he [Gabaski] did everything to keep Egypt in the tournament,” Gyang said on Supersports after the final match.