{image-african nations cup_11022008.jpg news.oneindia.in} Accra, Feb. 11: Defending champion Egypt defeated Cameroon 1-0 and won the trophy of the Africa Nations Cup for the sixth time, a record of the continental tournament, on Sunday in the Ghanaian capital of Accra.


In the history of the Africa Nations Cup, it is only the third time that a defending champion made its successful title defense. Egypt and Cameroon have ever achieved the feat in 1959 and 2002 respectively. Both Mohamed Aboutrika and Amr Zaki of The Pharaohs had a few chances to give Egypt a lead in the first half. However, Zaki stroke the ball wide of goal and Aboutrika made it fly over the crossbar.


For Cameroon, Samuel Eto'o tried to make advantage of a corner of Egypt and launch a blitz counter-attack, a tactic they successfully used in the semi-final against Ghana. But the Barcelona striker just missed the goal in front of the net.


After the first half ended scoreless, substitute striker Mohamed Zidan came to the field, and the strength of The Pharaohs improved in the second half.

In the 76th minute, Aboutrika received a left-wing pass from Zidan who seemed to be surrounded by Cameroon's defenders on the edge of the penalty area and scored a finishing goal for Egypt.


It is the sixth time for Egypt to claim the title of the Africa Nations Cup, a feat that no team from the continent can compete with so far. Cameroon has claimed the continental tournament four times.


Egypt defeated Cameroon 4-2 in a group match of this year's Africa Nations Cup


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