Cameroon for the first time since 2002, won the Africa Cup of Nations. The Indomitable lions who were rated the worst performing team in a generation, have proved critics wrong.
They beat Egypt 2-1 with both goals coming from substitutes. Egypt started well by pressing Cameroon’s defense for a goal. After a one-touch play with Salah, El Said sent a low first-time shot that was saved by Ondoa.
Cameroon’s first chance came through Siani although the long-range shot was saved by El Hardy.
Egypt drew first blood through Elneny who sent a rising shot and beat Ondoa to put Egypt ahead with the former claiming more possession and were more solidly defensive.
Egypt seemed more comfortable with the 1-0 lead and barely bothered to attack in the second half which proved costly as Cameroon pressed and eventually equalized.
Substitute centre-back, Nkoulou jumped above Hegazy and planted a downward header into the corner. El Hadary dived but it was too late.
Cameroon then started looking like the team that wanted to win and their efforts paid off in the 88th minute when Siani sent a long pass to Aboubakar – came on at half time for Tambe – who met it at the edge of the box to score who cooked up a wonderful goal.
With three defenders against him, Aboubakar took it down with his shoulder, flipped it over Gabr’s head and then hit a bouncing volley into the corner.
Cameroon was not effective in the first half but came back more driven with the passion for winning in the last half of the game. The team’s relentlessness produced a deserving win, making them the second team to win a fifth African Cup of Nations title.
Featured photo: Cameroon came from underdogs to African Champions. (AFP/GETTY IMAGES)
