Egypt accomplished a one goal victory against Cameroon to take home the African Cup of Nations 2008. Their title means they are the first African team to have won twice consecutively, having won in 2006 on home soil. Tunisia are the champions of 2004 which means the cup will remain in North Africa for a total of 6 years…and with continued determination perhaps longer…

The only goal was scored by Abou Treika, fed to him by Zidane who was a sub for most of the match. The goal was scored in the second half making it a game of ninety minutes and not a repeat of the 2006 penalty shootout final against Cameroon.

The Egyptian team received criticism during the early stages of the tournament; players and other familiar faces from the European leagues did not predict Egypt to progress far. Questions and opinions about the Egyptian team’s performance in sub-Saharan Africa were strong. However, Egypt although a local team, demonstrated that they were a real team and not a group of individual players.

The final was the second time for Egypt and Cameroon to face one another, opening fixtures combined them in the same group initially and Cameroon got beaten 4-2. However Cameroon were still expected to win in the final and most felt the Egyptian team would be intimidated by the Cameroonian player’s physical presence. Many of the Cameroonian players are high profile names in European Leagues. And Egypt was the only team with a non-European coach.

Egypt now has a record of 6 nation wins, and Sunday’s glorious defeat means the team have proved for a second time that they are capable of winning in all African climates. Cameroon has a total of 4 wins.

The tournament took place in Ghana of West Africa and was thoroughly praised as the best African tournament so far, with great entertainment and organization. It was a fine example of professionalism and a contrast to European footballs big names, female companions, obscene wealth and fading team effort.

Well done Africa, well done Ghana, and bravo Egypt!

By Guest writer Sam