Records Tumble At Historic Ghana 2008

... Egypt Win Cup Of Nations
... Eto'o Shutters 38-Year-Old Scoring Record
The Pharaohs of Egypt yesterday made history as sixth time winners of Nations Cup with a lone goal victory over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun in the final game of the 26th MTN Africa Cup of Nations at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Accra.

The Egyptian?s goal also brought the tournament?s goals record to 97 as against 93, recorded in Burkina Faso in 1998. Cameroun and Ghana, who are both four time title holders, incidentally were the Ghana 2008 silver and bronze winners respectively. Host nation, Ghana on Saturday thrashed Cote d?Ivoire 4-2 for the third position at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi.

With Pharaohs victory, Ghana?s celebrated coach, Nana C.K Gyamfi?s record of winning the Nation?s Cup twice, was also equaled by Egyptian coach Hassan Shehata, who led the team to victory yesterday. The Egyptians goal brought the Nations Cup goals record to 97, as against the previous 93, recorded in Burkina Faso in 1998. It was also the third time the Pharaohs defended the title, after the Egyptians previously achieved the feat in 1959 and Cameroun in 2002.

The match got off on a fast note, as both sides made persistent attempt for the lead but failed to find the net as Fils Eto?o?s early attempt at goal in the 10th minute went wide. The Lions continued to dominate in most part of the first half but the unyielding defence of the Egyptians, warded off the attacks.

Fils Eto?o, whose five goals toped the goal chart, made a good attempt at goal but his shot missed the posts narrowly ten minutes from the end of the first half.

The Pharaohs, who had earlier beaten their opponents 4-2 in their Group C first game of the tournament, turned the game in their favour on resumption. They persistently made incursions in the Lions? goal area. And it was one of such raids that earned them the winner 13 minutes from the end.