AFCON2017: Cameroon beats Egypt, crowned champions of Africa

Cameroon are the champions of Africa! The glory days are back! The indomitable lions produced a stunning comeback in Libreville after The Pharaohs went 1-0 at the half time break. The lions trailed their prey and bagged in two magnificent goals to deny Egypt the crown.

Cameroon Champion of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Afcon Final match between Egypt and Cameroon at the Libreville in Gabon on 5 February 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Substitute Vincent Aboubakar swept in the winner two minutes from time, flicking the ball over defender Ali Gabr and thumping it home.

Vincent Aboubakar of Cameroon score a goal and Ahmed Elmohamady of Egypt looking during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Afcon Final match between Egypt and Cameroon at the Libreville in Gabon on 5 February 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Nicolas Nkoulou had earlier equalised for Cameroon, rising highest to power in a header on the hour mark.The equaliser cancelled out Mohamed Elneny’s opener on 22 minutes with a beautifully taken near-post strike.

Joseph Ebogo Ondoa of Cameroon fail to stop a shot from Mohamed Elneny of Egypt during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Afcon Final match between Egypt and Cameroon at the Libreville in Gabon on 5 February 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

The wild celebrations for Aboubaker’s winner announced Cameroon’s return to the continental summit, after a wait of 15 years.

Closing Ceremony during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Afcon Final match between Egypt and Cameroon at the Libreville in Gabon on 5 February 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

It also makes them the second most successful nation in the competition’s history – behind Egypt – and marks the first time they have beaten the Pharoahs in the final in three attempts.

Cameroon Team picture (back row l-r) /Joseph Ebogo Ondoa, Adolph Teikeu Kamgang, Robert Ndip Tambe, Michael Ngadeu, Jacques Zoua, Benjamin Moukandjo (front row l-r) Sebastien Siani, Collins Fai, Ambroise Oyongo, Christian Bassogog, Arnaud Djoum during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Afcon Final match between Egypt and Cameroon at the Libreville in Gabon on 5 February 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Besiktas striker Aboubaker ran towards the triumphant Cameroon fans in the Stade de l’Amitie stands in Libreville to celebrate, pursued by delirious teammates and the coaching staff.

Cameroon hosts then next AFCON finals which offers them a perfect chance to defend their crown in front of home crowd.

Congratulations to the new champions of African football.

 

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