Cameroon stun hosts Ghana to reach final

By Mark Gleeson

ACCRA (Reuters) - Substitute Alain Nkong's second-half goal gave Cameroon a place in the African Nations Cup final after a 1-0 semi-final win over hosts Ghana on Thursday.

Nkong, playing in only his second international, slotted the ball past keeper Richard Kingson after being set up by Samuel Eto'o on 71 minutes at the Ohene Djan stadium to put Cameroon into a sixth Nations Cup final.

They will meet either defending champions Egypt or Ivory Coast, who play later on Thursday in the second semi-final in Kumasi.

Cameroon had been written off after a 4-2 defeat by Egypt in their opening match at the tournament but recovered remarkably to power their way to Sunday's final.

The Indomitable Lions will have to play the decider in Accra without defender Andre Bikey, red-carded for shoving a first-aid assistant in a bizarre incident at the end of the game.

Victory was sweet satisfaction for Cameroon's veteran coach Otto Pfister, who previously reached the Nations Cup final as coach of Ghana 16 years ago.

"It's one of the highlights of my career," the 71-year-old said, "but that's the life of a coach, winning or losing."

Cameroon created a few chances in the game but made their key opportunity count against the home team.