Pharaohs reign in Africa

The 2008 Africa Cup of Nations took place in Ghana January 20th to February 10th. The hosts who were in group A, kicked of f the tournament against Guinea and had to rely on a last minute screamer from Sulley Muntari to earn 3 points with a 2-1 win. Namibia fell apart against Morocco losing 5-1 with Aloudi grabbing 3 in the first half, but showed much improvement in their next matches losing only 1-0 to Ghana and earning a point in their 1-1 draw against Guinea who had already overcome Morocco 3-2. The Moroccans found themselves packing their bags after losing 2-0 to Ghana who progressed with full points along with Guinea.
In group B after beating Nigeria 1-0, Ivory Coast found the going easy and topped the group with 4-1 and 3-0 victories against Benin and Mali respectively. Mali who drew 0-0 with Nigeria, lost out to them on goal difference and were eliminated despite bagging 4 points along the way.
In group C Egypt began the defence of their title with an impressive 4-2 win over Cameroon and went on to win the group despite a 1-1 draw against Zambia. After their disappointing defeat to Egypt, Cameroon came back to thrashed Zambia 5-1 and put 3 past Sudan without reply. Sudan who lost all 3 matches 3-0 were the only team, together with group B losers Benin, to finish without a single point.
In group D the decisive matches were played on the 2nd day when Tunisia and Angola triumphed 3-1 over South Africa and Senegal respectively. All the other matches in the group were drawn, leaving Tunisia ahead of Angola by virtue of goals scored.
The quarter-finals saw the dreams of Guinea shattered 5-0 by the Elephants of Ivory coast, while the Super Eagles of Nigeria flew home after losing 2-1 to hosts Ghana. The Pharaohs of Egypt continued their path with a 2-1 win over Angola, and the indomitable Lions of Cameroon needed extra time to overcome Tunisia 3-2.
In the semi-finals Egypt demolished 2006 finalists Ivory Coast 4-1, and Ghana reached the end of the road losing by a single goal to Cameroon.
Ghana picked up the consolation prize of third place with a satisfying 4-2 win over Ivory Coast.
Egypt lifted the trophy with Aboutrika scoring the only goal of the final against Cameroon.
Full match reports and pictures can be enjoyed at: http://www.footballreporter.co.uk/africa2008/index.html