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Cameroon aces Nkoulou, Aboubakar down Arsenal star Elneny’s Egypt in AFCON final

Cameroon has been crowned 2017 Africa Cup of Nations champions.

The Indomitable Lions fought back from a goal down to claim their fifth triumph in Africa's showpiece tournament courtesy of a 2-1 win over Egypt in Libreville, Gabon.

Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny gave the Pharaohs the lead in the 22nd minute when he struck a sublime angled effort beyond the despairing hand of Fabric Ondoa.

Despite conceding early, Cameroon managed to get a foothold back in the contest and just before the hour-mark, they equalised through Olympique Lyon defender Nicolas Nkoulou, who rose above the Egyptian defence to powerfully head home a dangerous floating cross from Lorient forward Benjamin Moukandjo.

Just as the match was heading towards extra-time, FC Porto's Besiktas loan star Vincent Aboubakar produced a moment of magic to win it for Cameroon.

With poise, the 25-year-old striker controlled a long ball from Sebastien Siani before brilliantly flicking over the head of Ali Gabr and then volleying home a bouncing ball, sparking scenes of jubilation.

The dramatic triumph adds to the 1984, 1988, 2000 and 2002 African crowns won by Cameroon, denying Egypt an unprecedented eighth title.


2017 Africa Cup of Nations - final

Egypt: 1 (Mohamed Elneny 22')
Cameroon: 2 (Nicolas Nkoulou 59', Vincent Aboubakar 88')
Stade de l'Amitié, Libreville, Gabon - 38,250

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Andrew Slevison
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