Egypt beat Cameroon in African Nations Cup final
Updated: 2008-02-11 14:39
ACCRA - Egypt successfully defended the African Nations Cup then they beat Cameroon 1-0 in Sunday's final with a goal 13 minutes from time by Mohamed Aboutrika.
 Egypt's captain Ahmed Hassan holds the trophy after they beat Cameroon, as Ghana's President John Kufuor (R) and African soccer executives applaud in the African Nations Cup soccer final in Accra February 10, 2008. [Agencies] |
The Egyptians extended to six their record number of titles but not before overcoming a physically tough challenge from four-times champions Cameroon.
It is only the third time a team have successfully defended the title after the Egyptians previously achieved the feat in 1959 and Cameroon in 2002.
Aboutrika applied the finishing touch to a square pass from Mohamed Zidan, after the striker had robbed possession from Cameroon's veteran captain Rigobert Song on the edge of the penalty area in the 77th minute.
"It's a great feeling to score because I feel I am representing the whole country," said Aboutrika, who also netted the penalty shootout winner in 2006.
"But to win the championship a second time and away from home is a great achievement," the midfielder added.
Egypt, who had beaten Cameroon 4-2 in their opening group match in Kumasi on January 22, created the majority of the chances but were thwarted by some fine stops from goalkeeper Idriss Carlos Kameni.
He was central to the key incidents of the first half, botching a clearance in the 12th minute that landed at the feet of Egypt striker Amr Zaki, who missed a clear chance by striking the ball wide of goal.
Kameni redeemed himself with a brave save at point blank range from Emad Moteab, who had been sent clear on goal by a superb pass over the top of the defence in the 36th minute.
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