The Indomitable Lions after a sweet start to their AFCON campaign quickly became one of the tournaments favourites with former Barcelona and Internationale Milan star Samuel Eto’o Fils as their new football associations president.
With a perfect start to their campaign, Cameroon were tipped to will host and win the tournament following how easily they brushed away majority of their opponents in the group stages and to the semifinals.
Egypt after a poor start made their way into the semi-finals and had to face hosts Cameroon to secure a place in the final.
After a protest to CAF for a change of match officiating officer who was named to handle their game, none mattered as things went on as planned by CAF.
The second semifinal game started with Cameroon on the high foot and creating half chances which they should have converted. Toko Ikambe who has scored five (5) goals could not make use of his chances as Egypt came back into the game strongly.
Mohammed Salah who is been on the raider of football for a year and over had a glorious chance to put Egypt in front but a brilliant save from Andre Onana kept his side in the game.
None of the teams were able to convert during the normal playing time as the game went into shootouts. Cameroon who have scored every spotkick in open play were stopped with Onana unable to stop a single penalty kick played by the Egyptians.
Samuel Eto’o Fils from the stands could not believe his eyes seeing his team bow out after the penalty shootouts.
Cameroon would have to try their luck in the third and forth playoffs as Mohammed Salah readies his team to meet club teammate Sadio Mane at the final.