Cameroon retain African Nations Cup

Cameroon retained the African Nations Cup 3-2 on penalties against Senegal after the match ended 0-0 in Mali yesterday.

Goalkeeper Boukar Alioum saved two penalties in the shoot-out as Cameroon became the first country in 27 years to retain the trophy. Two years ago, they also won the final on penalties.

Cameroon, who had not conceded a goal in their six matches at the tournament, dominated the match against a Senegal team making their first appearance in the final.

Senegal had the early advantage in the shoot-out after Pierre Wome's opening kick for Cameroon was saved by goalkeeper Tony Sylva.

But Alioum's save from Amdy Faye and a miss by El Hadj Ousseynou Diouf saw the odds swing in favour of the defending champions.

Rigobert Song could have given Cameroon a 4-2 win in the shoot-out with his team's final penalty kick but his shot was saved by Sylva.

Song scored the winner from the spot in the final two years ago when Cameroon beat Nigeria 4-3 on penalties. This time Alioum was the hero as he saved the last kick from Aliou Cisse.