New stars of Cameroon and Egypt battle it out in Afcon final

The new African champions will be decided on Sunday night when Cameroon and Egypt settle the outcome of the African Nations Cup.

Three weeks ago neither side would have been fancied to get to the final but the pair have rekindled old glories as new generations seek to emulate past success.

Between them the two countries have won 11 previous Nations Cup titles – over a third of all their previous editions.

That puts them on the list of continental heavyweights but both were in a slump going into the tournament‚ yet have emerged from the deep end to contest the deciding game.

The Nations Cup final is rarely a match to savour. The last six finals have delivered just three goals. Penalty shootouts are more common than goals.

The last time there was more than one goal was 13 years ago when Tunisia won 2-1 at home over Morocco.

The size of the prize is such that the games are cagey and overwhelmed by caution. Cameroon will be expected to be more expansive while Egypt will sit behind the ball and look for opportunity on the counterattack.

It does mean Cameroon will create more chances and therefore have a better opportunity to win.

Egypt’s centreback pairing of Ali Gabr (Zamalek) and Ahmed Hegazy (Al Ahli) have been the cornerstone of Egypt’s advance and the team have conceded only a single goal in the five games up to the final.

Cameroon’s attack is fast and powerful but not polished‚ so the chance of a frustrating evening for their fans is real.

But without so many regulars going into the tournament they are already winners for the progressing to the final.

Coach Hugo Broos has been ruthless in benching prima donnas and giving an opportunity to young and hungry-for-success footballers. It has been a lesson to many other coaches of national teams.

Egypt have good technical talent and will shore up their midfield with the return after injury of Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny. Surprisingly he is not popular in his own country‚ despite playing in the English Premier League‚ but he is a solid linkman.

 But key is Mohamed Salah‚ former winger‚ with incredible pace and fearsome shooting. He has hardly been seen in this tournament‚ yet bagged two crucial goals.

The Nations Cup winner will go onto play at the Fifa Confederations Cup in Russia in mid-year.