Egypt claim third consecutive African Nations Cup title

Posted: Sunday 31st January 2010 | 18:58

EGYPT’S Mohamed 'Gedo' Nagy delivered again as he netted in the dying minutes to secure his side a record seventh African Nations Cup title.

WHAT NEXT: African Nations Cup top scorer Mohamed Nagy scores the decisive winner for Egypt but his future could now lie in the Premier League

The victory was Egypt’s third consecutive win - a tournament record - and their 19th straight match win.

However, Milovan Rajevac's youthful Ghana, deprived of their star players through injury and political infighting, more than played their part in an edgy final where chances were at a premium.

But the tournament's top scorer finally unlocked their defence following a neatly exchanged one-two, curling an elegant finish past Wigan's Richard Kingson in the 85th minute.

Gedo only made his international debut late last year and didn't play more than half an hour in any match in Angola.

But his five goals couldn't have been more valuable - he scored against Nigeria in the 87th minute, Mozambique in the 81st and then netted extra-time strikes against Cameroon and Nigeria.

His latest timely strike - just 15 minutes after his 70th minute introduction for Emad Motaeb - sent Egypt coach Hassan Shehata soaring off his bench but may not have been greeted with such delight by officials at Gedo's Al-Ittihad club.

They are desperately trying to keep hold of the 25-year old but Premier League sides Wolves and Hull are both keen for his signature before the transfer deadline, as they fight for top-flight survival.

Scottish side Celtic are also reportedly interested as they seek to bolster their squad for the end of season run-in.

Meanwhile, Egypt influential captain Ahmed Hassan was named player of the tournament, despite a mixed performance in the final, while Ahmed Fathi picked up the man of the match award.