Egypt bid to outwit Cameroon again

By Julien Pretot

ACCRA (Reuters) - Holders Egypt are hoping their South American playing style will bring them success in the African Nations Cup final against Cameroon on Sunday.

Most of Egypt's squad are home-based players but their free-flowing passing game has been lethal and they are confident of beating Cameroon again after winning in the 1986 final.

The Pharaohs, aiming to win a sixth Nations Cup, thrashed hot favourites Ivory Coast 4-1 in the semi-final in a reprise of the final they won two years ago on penalties in Cairo.

Egypt have shown in Ghana that their 2006 title, largely attributed to the advantage of playing at home, was no fluke.

Four-time champions Cameroon, the last side to retain the trophy in 2002, witnessed their opponents' style at close quarters when they lost 4-2 to them in their opening game.

However, the West Africans believe they have improved and showed a heart of steel to beat Tunisia and Ghana en route to Sunday's game at the Ohene Djan stadium (5:00 p.m. British time).

"After the first defeat (against Egypt) we made the changes we needed to get back in the tournament," said Cameroon coach Otto Pfister, who hinted that all the pressure was on Egypt.

"We will go into this final very relaxed. Being at this stage in a continental competition is quite something. If we win, very good, if we lose, well, it's not a drama."