Cameroon's Tchato says best team won the Cup

By Julien Pretot

ACCRA (Reuters) - Cameroon admitted they lost to the strongest team after they went down 1-0 to Egypt in Sunday's African Nations Cup final.

The Indomitable Lions were dominated throughout and, in the 77th minute, a blunder by captain Rigobert Song allowed Mohamed Zidan to square the ball to Mohamed Aboutrika, who fired home from close range.

Holders Egypt were long denied by Cameroon keeper Idriss Carlos Kameni, who pulled off some superb saves to keep the Pharaohs at bay.

Samuel Eto'o, who holds the Nations Cup scoring record with 16 goals, was alone up front and failed to find the net for the third successive game.

"We have to congratulate Egypt, they deserve their victory," said Cameroon defender Bill Tchato, who was deputising for Andre Bikey, suspended after picking up a red card in the semi-final against Ghana.

"In fairness, the best team won," he added.

Egypt, who beat Cameroon 4-2 in their opening group game, also thrashed hot favourites Ivory Coast 4-1 in the semi-finals.

"They have had a great tournament and we must not forget they were the holders," said Tchato.