Cameroon stun hosts Ghana to reach final

Substitute Alain Nkong's second-half goal gave Cameroon a place in the African Nations Cup final after a 1-0 semi-final win over hosts Ghana yesterday.

Nkong, playing in only his second international, slotted the ball past keeper Richard Kingson 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 meet defending champions Egypt who trounced Ivory Coast 4-1 in the second semi-final played in Kumasi.

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, "but that's the life of a coach, winning or losing."

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.

Defender Geremi rattled the Ghana crossbar with a 35-metre free kick in the 37th minute.

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 Laryea Kingston, who suffered foot pain 15 minutes before kick off.

Egypt crush Ivory Coast

Striker Amr Zaki scored twice to help defending champions Egypt to a stunning win over favourites Ivory Coast.

In an enthralling match, Ahmed Fathi gave Egypt an early lead before Zaki struck twice in five minutes just after the hour with Abdelkader Keita replying one minute after Zaki's first goal. Mohamed Aboutrika added a fourth in injury-time.

Egypt were also helped by an inspired display from goalkeeper Essam Al Hadari, who denied Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba a goal on three occasions with the score still at 1-0.

The match was a repeat of the 2006 final when Egypt beat Ivory Coast on penalties after a goalless draw in Cairo.