11 February 2002
Cameroon deservedly retained the African Nations Cup after a dramatic penalty shoot-out in Bamako. Underdogs Senegal started brightly but were then clearly second best for the majority of the game before losing 3-2 on penalties.
Henri Camara had missed a glorious opportunity to give Senegal a shock lead after just four minutes, and it was probably his side's best chance to score against a side who went through the tournament without conceding a goal.
Camara blasted over the bar after danger man El-Hadji Diouf outpaced the Cameroon defence following a hopeful long ball, and then backheeled it into the path of his colleague just outside the six-yard box.
Senegal continued to press after a confident start in front of a packed Stade du Mars 26. And, it took a fine save by Samsunspor keeper Bouker Alioum to deny Camara on 16 minutes, as the Senegal man this time got his shot on target after breaking clear of the Cameroon defence down the right.
In contrast, holders Cameroon took time to settle and were clearly missing the presence of star striker Patrick Mboma. The African player of the year was ruled out with a foot injury after suggesting he would be fit to play in the final.
They did at least have coach Winfried Schafer on the sidelines, however, after a touchline ban imposed on the German following a semi-final fracas was lifted.
Cameroon's first real chance came on 22 minutes when a dangerous free-kick by Geremi eluded Senegal keeper Tony Sylva and Marc-Vivien Foe almost connected with a diving header into what would have been an open goal. As it was, the cross was just beyond him, and he picked up a yellow card for throwing his arm at the ball in desperation.
The second-half began with both sides adopting a far more cagey approach and it took ten minutes for the first real opportunity to arrive.
The penalty shoot-out began dramatically when Sylva made a great save to deny Pierre Wome and give Senegal the impetus.
Coly was fortunate to score after a poor penalty was deflected into the net by Cameroon keeper Alioum, but Suffo and Lauren for Cameroon, and Fadiga for Senegal, all then scored with confident strikes.
The shoot-out turned, however, when Senegal sub Faye was denied by Alioum and Geremi scored for Cameroon. Diouf then paid for over-confidence with a bad miss and though Song was also thwarted by Sylva, Aliou Cisse hit his penalty straight at Alioum(ACONS)
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