SUBSTITUTE Alain Nkong's second-half goal gave Cameroon a place in the Africa Cup of Nations final after a narrow semi-final win over hosts Ghana yesterday.
Nkong, playing in only his second international, slotted the ball past keeper Richard Ki
ngson after being set up by Samuel Eto'o on 71 minutes at the Ohene Djan stadium to put Cameroon into a sixth Nations Cup final. They will now meet either defending champions Egypt or Ivory Coast.
Cameroon had been written off after a 4-2 defeat by Egypt in their opening match at the tournament but recovered remarkably to power their way to Sunday's final.
The Indomitable Lions will have to play the decider in Accra without defender Andre Bikey, red-carded for shoving a first-aid assistant in a bizarre incident at the end of the game.
Victory was sweet satisfaction for Cameroon's veteran coach Otto Pfister, who previously reached the Nations Cup final as coach of Ghana 16 years ago. "It's one of the highlights of my career," the 71-year-old said.
Cameroon created a few chances in the game but made their key opportunity count against the home team.
"The difference between the teams was mainly mental," added Cameroon midfielder Achille Emana.
Ghana had to use key midfielder Michael Essien in defence, losing his dominant role in the midfield, after the suspension of captain John Mensah and were without injured Asamoah Gyan and Hearts' Laryea Kingston, who suffered foot pain 15 minutes before kick off and had to pull out.
Kingston's replacement Andre Ayew proved an effective foil, setting up several chances, the best cleared near the line by Geremi in the 70th minute.
Striker Junior Agogo headed a free kick narrowly over the crossbar 10 minutes from the end.
"I was never as sad in my career as I am today," said Ghana coach Claude Le Roy. "It's a terrible deception to lose this game. I can understand how sad the people of Ghana are tonight."
Ghana: Kingson; Sarpei, Pantsil, Essien, Addo; Annan, Ayew (Barusso 87), Muntari, Owusu Abeyie (B Gyan 62); Dramani, Agogo.
Cameroon: Kameni; Geremi, Bikey, R Song, Atouba; Emana (Binya 77), A Song, Mbia; Job (Nkong 63), Idrissou Epalle 46), Eto'o.
Referee: A El Arjoun (Morocco)
The full article contains 386 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
