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Egypt wins African Cup

CAIRO, Egypt (AP) _ Egypt won a record fifth African Cup title after defeating Ivory Coast 4-2 in a penalty shootout Friday.

Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba and Bakary Kone had their penalties saved, while Mohamed Aboutrika scored the winner for the host team, sending more than 74,000 fans in Cairo International Stadium into a frenzy.

The teams played extra time to try and break the deadlock after a goalless draw in regulation time.

Both teams traded attacks during the match, and Egyptian captain Ahmed Hassan missed a penalty. Drogba had a chance to secure the match for his country in the 77th minute, but he shot high when left with an empty net.

Ahmed Hassan, Mohamed Abdulwahab, Amr Zaki and Abutraika scored for Egypt in the shootout, while Abdulhalim Ali missed. For Ivory Coast, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue scored.

Egypt was playing without Tottenham striker Mido, who was banned from the team for six months for dissent. Mido sat in the media tribune to watch the match, but joined his teammates during the penalty shootout.

Egypt lost Wael Gomaa, the side's standout defender, who limped off with an injury in the 22nd minute.

Ivory Coast, looking for its second continental title after its triumph in Senegal in 1992, could have finished the game off, but Drogba missed the best chance of the match.

Tunisian referee Mourad Daami awarded a controversial penalty to the host in the 95th minute after Mohamed Barakat tumbled to the ground. Television replays showed minimal contact.

The Elephants protested feverishly and minor scuffles broke out between the sides, including the substitute benches.

Captain Hassan, voted player of the tournament, stepped up but his shot hit the post and was cleared by the defence.

Egypt appeared to score in the 84th minute, but the goal was disallowed for a foul by Amr Zaki on Ivory Coast goalkeeper Jean-Jacques Tizie.

The match was attended by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.


© The Canadian Press, 2007

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End: Egypt wins African Cup
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