AFCON 2017 : Cameroon marches into final

Cameroon is into the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final after beating Ghana 2-0 thanks to two goals in the final 18 minutes in Franceville Late second-half goals from Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui and Christian Bassogog secured Cameroon’s passage to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final as she beat Ghana 2-0 yesterday to set up a showdown with Egypt. Cameroon failed to find the net during a first half which she dominated, but Hugo Broos’ side held firm at the back and punished Ghana deep into the second period to confirm a repeat of the 2008 final that Egypt edged 1-0. After a rather pragmatic approach to her quarter-final triumph over Senegal, Cameroon posed significantly more attacking threat to Ghana, with wingers Benjamin Moukandjo and Bassogog particularly prominent. The Lions failed to make the most of their superiority in the first half, though, and Ghana improved after the break to become the controlling force. But Avram Grant’s side endured similar woes in front of goal and their profligacy was punished by Ngadeu-Ngadjui 18 minutes from time – the defender pouncing on a defensive mix-up. Ghana poured men forward in desperate fashion towards the end and that played into Cameroon’s hands, as they added a second thanks to Bassogog in stoppage time, with the Indomitable Lions hoping to claim a first continental title since 2002. Cameroon was criticised for appearing to play for penalties when she narrowly defeated Senegal in a shoot-out in the previous round, but there was no danger of similar accusations being repeated this time after she began in purposeful fashion. They only had to wait eight minutes for their first chance, as Adolphe Teikeu met a corner delivery and saw his header cleared off the line by Harrison Afful. Shortly after, Moukandjo sent a low cross towards the penalty spot from the left flank and Ndip Tambe hit a first-time effort straight at goalkeeper Razak Brimah. Cameroon’s early dominance did subside slightly, though Ghana struggled to carve out clear-cut chances. They did eventually slice through the Cameroon defence, however, as Jordan Ayew raced on to Christian Atsu’s through-ball and shot right across the face of goal from a tight angle. Ghana improved after the break and they felt aggrieved about not being awarded a penalty early in the second half after Thomas Partey’s half-volley appeared to deflect off Teikeu’s arm in the area.

from Echo http://ift.tt/2k7lcFC