The Pharaohs of Egypt and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon will be aiming to claim the most prestigious trophy in Africa in today’s African Cup of Nations final at the Stade de l’Amitié , Libreville.
Both teams are unbeaten enrout to the final as the Pharaohs drew O-0 with Mali, defeated Uganda 1-0 before beating Ghana 1-0 to top group D with seven points. They defeated Morocco 1-0 in the quarter final before overcoming Burkina Faso 4-3 via a penalty shootouts in the semi final.
On the other hand, the Indomitable Lions drew their opening game 1-1 against Burkina Faso, defeated Guinea-Bissau 2-1 , before drawing 0-0 with Gabon to come second in group A with five points. They defeated Senegal 5-4 on penalties in the Quarter final before thrashing Ghana 2-0 in the semi final.
Egypt and Cameroon have met in two Africa Cup of Nations finals before (the 1986 and 2008 tournaments). Egypt won both of those finals
Having won the Nations Cup seven times against Cameroon’s four titles, the Pharoahs knows they have a mountain to climb against a stubborn Indomitable Lions who have shown great strenght and solidity.
Meanwhile, Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe has been picked to officiate today’s final. Sikazwe, 37, was nominated for the 2015 CAF Referee of the Year award.
During the 2017 AFCON, he officiated Cameroon’s match against Burkina Faso in the group stage, which ended in a 1-1 draw, as well as their quarterfinal clash with Senegal, which saw the Indomitable Lions win 5-4 on penalties.
