Perfect start for Egypt

Reigning champions Egypt got their African Nations Cup campaign off to the perfect start with a 4-2 hammering of much-fancied Cameroon in Group C.

Cameroon got off to a disastrous start in Kumasi when Reading defender Andre Bikey handled a cross, allowing Hosni Abd Rabou to stroke home at the second attempt in the 14th minute. The Egyptian’s first spot-kick was ruled out due to his stuttering run up.

It was two just three minutes later when the four-time winners were opened up, allowing Mohamed Zidan to bide his time and finish clinically.

The result was seemingly put beyond doubt in first-half injury-time when Hamburg’s Zidan smashed a brilliant 25-yard shot into the top corner to make it 3-0.

After Arsenal youngster Alexandre Song was brought on at the break, Barcelona superstar Samuel Eto’o headed a goal back for the ’Indomitable Lions’ in the 51st minute, Newcastle’s Geremi with the cross.

But Egypt – who featured Middlesbrough’s Mohamed Shawky in their side – secured the win when Hosni was given time to blast a low shot home from 25 yards with nine minutes left.

Another handball gave Eto’o the chance to score his second from the spot but it was not enough.