Pharaohs Succesfully Defended Africa Cup Of Nations

The Pharaohs of Egypt made it three wins out of three in their recent games with Cameroon but yesterday’s victory was a sweet one because it gave the Pharaoh’s their sixth Nations Cup victory - the highest in the competition.
They had earlier won in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998 and 2006. Cameroon had won four times in 1984, 1988, 2000 and 2002.
The Indomitable Lions went into the game with the aim of not only equalling Egypt’s record of five titles but also avenging their 4-2 opening Group D match lose to the North Africans in Kumasi.
Incidentally, Lions skipper Rigobert Song, who had insisted before the game that he would not be retiring despite playing in seven Nations Cup finals, dropped the clanger that blew up his side’s dreams of glory.
With all the time in the world to clear the ball in the 77th minute, he instead stumbled allowing substitute Mohammed Zidan to dispossess him under pressure the ball fell into the path of the game’s Man of the Match, Mohammed Abouterika, who slotted in the only goal of the final, witnessed by August visitor, former Chelsea coach Jose Mourhino, Ghana President John Kuffour, FIFA President Sepp Blatter and CAF President, Issa Hayatou.
Egypt coach Hsan Shehata did not start the final with Mohammed Zidan, but Mohammed Abouterika and captain Hasan Ahmed strengthened the line up. Indomitable Lions coach Otto Pfister, the oldest manager at the tournament at 70, missed the services of Andre Bikey, who was shown the red in the semi final with Ghana.
His absence reduced the backline’s potency, putting the burden on Song.
The defending champions started in traditional style, falling back early into the defence and allowing the Lions to come forward. But the tone soon changed as Abouterika, Hasan Ahmed and Zaky Mansour went to work.
Abdel Moteleb had his free kick well handled by Carlos Kameni, Abdouraman Sayed tried a long range shot also but Kameni held tight as Egypt pressed for the curtain raiser.
Cameroon’s first major chance fell on Emma Achille’s way but was clearly cleared towards the 10th minute. Each time Cameroon attempted to move forward, the Pharaohs replied with potentially dangerous counter attacks.
The Lions’ game plan then suffered a major blow with impressive Arsenal midfielder Alexander Song having to make way courtesy of an injury, his replacement Austin Binya made mess of the holding role.
Shehata's feat of two Cups in a row matched that of Ghana's CK Gyamfi, who won the tournament in 1963 and 1965.
Aboutrika's goal was the 97th of the tournament, which produced more goals than any other Nations Cup. Egypt 2006 had 93.
Meanwhile, Abdrabou Abdel Hosny was voted tournament MVP while Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o Fils failed to get his hands on the trophy but left with the ‘Golden Boot’ as highest scorer with five goals.