Game 32 - Cameroon vs Nigeria in Kayes

An expectant crowd watched on, as the two teams took to the field in Kayes. Cameroon were here to defend their crown, and Nigeria were their capable opponents. Cameroon lined up in a variation of the 4-4-2 formation, whereas their opponents were shaped in a more diamond 4-4-2 formation.

Cameroon were the team which got out of first gear earliest, Geremi has been on the top of his game this tournament and looked tricky as he switched between the wing and the centre of the park. Himself and M'Bami linked up well, and created a good chance on 11 minutes, only for Desire-Job to miss from long range.

The referee was to stamp his authority early in the game, when he produced the yellow card to both M'Bami and Adepoju on 14 minutes. After Adepoju reacted to a risky challenge from the Cameroon player.

Although the play was mainly with Cameroon, Nigeria did have some promising spells themselves, an Aghahowa freekick just went over the bar on 19 minutes, and on 23 minutes Okocha got a shot all wrong to send it well wide of the post.

It was Cameroon who were to break the deadlock though, on the run of play they certainly deserved to take the lead. A beautifully whipped in cross by Geremi was chested down by Lauren, and hit on the half volley straight into the corner of the net. An excellent goal, 1-0 on 28 minutes.

As Cameroon pushed forward, and threatened to score again, it was a quick counter which put Nigeria back into the game. Lawal won a 50/50 challenge, and sent a long ball up to Okocho. Okocho powered past Babayaro, and seeing he had no support decided to have a crack at goal himself. The shot was from well outside the penalty area, and Song'o should take all the blame for the goal, as he wasn't placed very well. The ball soared over his outstretched hands and fell into the back of the net, 1-1 on 38 minutes.

The rest of the half was end to end, but neither team could capitalise on some silly late defensive mistakes.

The second half started well for Nigeria, and they surprised everybody by taking the lead on 48 minutes, with their first real attack of the second half. Lawal found Aghahowa in the centre of the park, the promising youngster knocked it forward to George, and with his back to goal he tapped it back to the charging Aghahowa. The youngster struck the ball immediately, it took a lucky deflection off Song which sent the ball past Song'o who couldn't recover.

Cameroon pushed forward for the equaliser, but for the next 10 minutes the best chances came from Nigeria breaking away. Aghahowa had another long shot which Song'o had to stretch for. Also Desire-Job managed to put a free header over the bar from close range on 56 minutes.

Cameroon started to send more and more men forward as the half was coming into the final stages. But despite some great chances, Mboma hit the post on 82 minutes, and a bullet header from Kalla was saved low down by Shorunmu, Cameroon were unable to pull themselves back into the game.

The Nigerian players were delighted at the end of the game, running around swinging their national flag whilst running a lap of honour. The Cameroon players looked dismayed as they slumped head in hands onto the pitch. It wasn't a spectacular final, but it was still a decent game for the viewer.

Cameroon   1 - 2  Nigeria

Cameroon Squad: Jacques Song'o 5, Rigobert Song 6 (Samuel Etolo 6), Pierre Wome 6 (Zoel Epale 7), Lucien Mettomo (c) 7, Raymond Kalla 8, Geremi 8, Modeste M'Bami 7, Keita Amadou 6, Lauren 7, Patrick Mboma 7, Joseph Desire-Job 6.
Subs Not Used: Pierre Nianka, William, Salomon Olembe.

Scorers: Lauren '28.
Injuries: None.
Bookings: M'Bami, Lauren, Desire-Job.
Sendings Off: None.

Nigeria Squad: Ike Shorunmu 7, Samuel Okunowo 6, Celestine Babayaro 6, Taribo West 6, Sunday Oliseh 7, Mutiu Adepoju 7, Garba Lawal 7, Julius Aghahowa 8, Jay-Jay Okocho (c) 7, Finidi George 7, Jonathan Akpoborie 6 (Emeka Ifejiagwa 7).
Subs Not Used: Tijiani Babangida, Emmanuel Amunike, Murphy Akinji, Victor Ikbepa.

Scorers: Okocho '38, Aghahowa '48.
Injuries: None.
Bookings: Adepoju, Akpoborie.
Sendings Off: None.

Match Stats
Shots on Target: Cameroon 6-5 Nigeria
Shots Off Target: 12-8
Fouls Committed: 20-15
Corners: 5-2
Offsides: 4-4
Possession: 54%-46%

Man of the Match: Julius Aghahowa - The younster played well today, and deserved to get on the scoresheet.

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