Cameroon wins African cup of nations

An impressive Cameroonian team defeated host country, Nigeria, on Sunday to win the African Cup of Nations for the third time.

The indomitable lions managed to gag the aspirations of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who flied high in all the previous matches, even higher than two top African teams, Morocco and South Africa.

The Nigerians were determined not to let the African paramount trophy to leave their territory. But their determination meant nothing to Cameroon.

The Cameroonian side started the match with all-out attacks, leaving no chance to the Nigerians to breathe. They were close to sealing their victory in the first half, when they took the lead with two goals, netted by Samuel Eto'o and Patrick m'Boma.

The Eagles returned slowly but surely. In the extra-time of the first half, Ndukwe Chukwu gave his teammates a glimpse of hope that the trophy was still within reach, when he scored the first goal.

Few seconds into the second half, Nigeria's super star, Agustin Okosha, scored the equalizer on a canon shot that Cameroon's keeper failed to save, despite a spectacular dive.

In the remaining minutes, the two teams battled in the midfield, without venturing, until the Tunisian referee made the final whistle. In the extra-time, neither Nigeria nor Cameroon was able to have the upper hand.

The penalty kicks proved painful for Nigeria, who saw their dreams to win the Cup evaporated, when the referee refused a goal netted by Tijani Babangida. The ball hit the cross bar and bypassed the line. But the shot was strong that referee saw nothing.

The Nigerians not only failed to win the cup, but they were also unable to break the bad omen in their matches against the Cameroonian neighbors. This is the third time that Cameroon defeats Nigeria in a CAN final (1984 in Cote D'Ivoire and 1988 in Morocco).