Cameroon lifts African Nations Cup by rallying over Egypt in final
LIBREVILLE, Gabon (Reuters) – Vincent Aboubakar scored a brilliant late goal to hand unfancied Cameroon a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Egypt and its fifth African Nations Cup championship in an entertaining final on Sunday night.
Cameroon, which had eight of its players withdraw before the tournament, came from a goal down after midfielder Mohamed Elneny had put Egypt ahead midway through the first half.
Nicolas Nkoulou equalized on the hour and, as Egypt tired, Cameroon appeared to find a new gear, creating several chances before Aboubakar struck the winner in the 88th minute after chesting the ball down and flicking it over defender Ali Gabr.
It was Cameroon’s first title since 2002 and denied Egypt a triumphant return to the tournament it last won in 2010, while at the same time inflicting a first loss on the North African side in 25 Nations Cup matches dating back to 2004.
“We are delighted, but we are not yet the finished product. We can still make a lot of improvement,” said Cameroon’s delighted Belgian manager Hugo Broos.
For Egypt coach Hector Cuper it was more disappointment. Having lost five finals in club soccer, including Europe’s Champions League twice, he is an unlucky loser again at international level.
“Cameroon deserved to win. I have deep sorrow for my players but it was too much for them, they were too tired. For myself, losing another final, I don’t want to say I’m getting used to it,” the Argentine said.
But for Cameroon’s young Indomitable Lions it was a moment of unexpected triumph in a tournament the country will host in two years’ time as the defending champion.