Indomitable Lions beat the Pharaohs at AFCON final

GABON (SW): The Cameroon Indomitable Lions beat the Egypt Pharaohs to become African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2017 Champions.

Vincent Aboubakar scored a brilliant late goal to hand Cameroon a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Egypt and their fifth African Nations Cup title in an entertaining final on Sunday.

Cameroon, who had eight of their players withdraw before the tournament, came from a goal down after midfielder Mohamed Elneny had put Egypt in lead midway through the first half. Nicolas Nkoulou equalised 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, Reuters reported.

It was Cameroon’s first title since 2002 and denied Egypt a triumphant return to the tournament they 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.

The final in Libreville was rich in African Cup history, although neither team was tipped to get to the title-deciding game at the end of the three-week tournament in Gabon. Egypt is the record seven-time champion but had qualified for the first time since winning a third straight crown in 2010. With political turmoil at home, Egypt's team suffered badly and couldn't even qualify for the final tournament in 2012, 2013 and two years ago.

ENDS