Egypt Lift Cup

The 26th Africa Cup of Nations ended in a flourish yesterday with the Pharaohs of Egypt beating the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon by a lone goal to emerge winners of the tournament for a second successive time and a record six times.

It was a glorious moment for the Pharaohs when Skipper Hassan lifted aloft the trophy they won on home soil two years ago.

The grand-finale was a fast-paced match characterized by end-to-end action, with both sides bringing the packed stadium to its feet on numerous occasions. In the end, the team that wanted the trophy the more, carried the day.

In the first half, Cameroon found it difficult to cope with the speed and skill of the Egyptians who seemed to number more than 11, forcing the Lions' keeper Carlos Kameni to make breath-taking saves. Abou Terika could have put his side in the lead in the 19th minute when he in a follow-up, blasted the ball over the bar instead of placing it in the net.

Cameroon's attack looked week on the day with Eto'o being tightly marked by the Egyptian defence. On the other hand, the Pharaohs strong attack force of Zaky, Hosny and Abou Terika, constantly tormented the Cameroonian defence.

Samuel Eto'o showed individual brilliance when he latched onto a ball in the 34th minute, and went past a defender with cheeky ease; but his final delivery was poor. A minute later, Zaky's shot was again saved by the Lions' keeper Kameni. Again in the 40th minute, Zaky's thunderbolt of a free-kick flew over the bar. Much as the Pharaohs tried, they could not get the opener in the first half.

Back from recess, the trend continued, with Egypt attacking and Cameroon defending.

The Lions defence of Tchato, Rigobert Song, Geremi Njitap, and Atouba were constantly under pressure, and with 12 minutes to go, Abou Terika of Al Ahly broke the deadlock. Zidan, who came on for Meteeb in the 60th minute, dispossessed Rigobert Song of the ball after a fierce struggle with the Indomitable Lions' skipper, and laid a perfect pass to the Al Ahly striker who coolly planted the ball into the net. Spectators at the packed stadium, who were rooting for the Egyptians, responded with a loud cheer.

After the goal, Cameroon fought back, but the Egyptian defence, led by Skipper Hassan rose to the occasion, and the score-line remained 1-0 at the end of proceedings.

Cameroon had to be content with a silver medal, as Hassan Shehata's side were too hot for them to handle, proving that the 4-2 defeat they inflicted on the Lions in their opening match was no fluke.

Abou Terika was adjudged man-of-the-match, while Samuel Eto'o Fils of Cameroon won the golden boot award with 5 goals.

As at press time yesterday, it was unknown who the player of the tournament was.

The match drew the curtain down on a spectacular tournament that witnessed a record 99 goals.

By Mohammed Muniru Kassim