Cameroon ended a 15-year wait to win the Africa Cup of Nations for the fifth time, a fantastic late individual goal from Vincent Aboubakar sealing victory as the Indomitable Lions came from a goal behind.
Egypt, looking to win their eighth Africa Cup of Nations, looked well set to repeat their favourite 1-0 scoreline after Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny rifled home to beat Fabrice Ondoa midway through the opening half.
But an inspired double substitution from coach Hugo Broos turned the final on its head, first Nicolas N’Koulou heading his side back into contention and, with extra time looking a certainty, Aboubakar controlled a long ball from Sebastien Siani before flicking the ball over Ali Gabr and firing home the winner.
It’s the first time Egypt have been defeated in the final since 1952 and Cameroon now become the second most successful side in the tournament’s history.
TALKING POINT
A goal fit to win any tournament: Vincent Aboubakar’s stunning late effort was a fitting way for Cameroon to win their title and a just end, with a tired Egypt possibly hoping for the lottery of penalties to win yet another title.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon) Even before his stunning late winner, the Cameroon striker made a significant contribution after coming on for Ndip Tambe after the break. He put his side on the front foot with threatening runs and took the game by the scruff of the neck.
Cameroon's forward Vincent Aboubakar celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final football match between Egypt and Cameroon at the Stade de l'Amitie Sino-Gabonaise in Libreville on February 5, 2017.
Image credit: AFP
PLAYER RATINGS
Egypt: El Hadary 6, Gabr 7, El Mohamady 6, Hegazy 7, Fathi 6, Hamed 6, Elneny 7, El Said 7, Trezeguet 6, Warda 6, M Salah 7.
Cameroon: Ondoa 6, Teikeu 6, Ngadeu 6, Oyongo 7, Moukandjo 7, Siani 6, Djoum 6, Tambe 6, Fai 7, Zoua 7, Bassogog 7. SUBS: Aboubakar 9, N’Koulou 8, Mandjeck 6.
Cameroon's Belgian coach Hugo Broos reacts as his team scores a goal during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final football match between Egypt and Cameroon at the Stade de l'Amitie Sino-Gabonaise in Libreville on February 5, 2017.
Image credit: AFP
KEY MOMENTS
3’ - SAVE! Salah plays in El Said and it takes a great save from Ondoa to grab the ball. Destined for the far corner.
22’ – GOAL! Egypt 1-0 Cameroon: Salah plays in Elneny and the Arsenal man rifles it into the roof of the net from a narrow angle. Great finish!
59’ – GOAL! Egypt 1-1 Cameroon: Substitute N’Koulou who heads home his second international goal on his 75th appearance. Game on!
80’ – CHANCE CAMEROON ! Bassogog passes into Moukandjo but the ball bobbles off his ankle and over the bar.
88’ – GOAL! Egypt 1-2 Cameroon: What a way to win it! Aboubakar controls a long ball from Sebastien Siani before flicking the ball over Ali Gabr and firing home the winner.
KEY STATS
Cameroon win their fifth African Cup of Nations title. Only the second team to do so.
Cameroon's forward Vincent Aboubakar celebrates scoring the team's second goal during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final football match between Egypt and Cameroon at the Stade de l'Amitie Sino-Gabonaise in Libreville on February 5, 2017.
Image credit: AFP
Essam El-Hadary tastes defeat at the Cup of Nations for the first time for 13 years.
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