Cameroon stun Egypt to claim 5th Nations Cup title

In a thrilling, edgy Nations Cup final in Gabon on Sunday, the Indomitable lions of Cameroon came from behind to beat the Pharoahs of Egypt 2-1 to seal a fifth Africa Cup of Nations title.

Mohamed Elneny netted in the opener for the seven-time champions on 22 minutes with a beautifully taken near-post strike, which remained as the only goal of the first-half.

Cameroon were dealt a huge injury blow as Adolphe Teikeu went off injured and was replaced by Nicolas N’Koulou.

The equaliser then went in for the Lions a minute before the hour mark by Nicolas Nkoulou, before substitute Vincent Aboubakar swept in the winner two minutes from time, flicking the ball over defender Ali Gabr and thumping it home.

Read Also: AFCON: Burkina Faso beat Ghana to third place

Vincent Aboubakar’s strike was a goal worthy of any great Cameroonian striker, as Samuel Eto’o was seen at the stands celebrating wildly among his compatriots. And that the goal came in the closing seconds of an AFCON final only made it more special.

It is the fifth time Cameroon have won the Cup of Nations and first since 2002.

It was Cameroon’s first AFCON final win over Egypt after losing to them twice – in 1986 and in 2008. Also, it was Egypt’s first defeat in the championship final since losing to Ethiopia in 1962.

As it comes to an end, the 2017 CAF Nations Cup has its winners as follows:

First Place: Cameroon
Runners-up: Egypt
Third Place: Burkina Faso

 

 

 

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