Eto'o sets new scoring record as he shoots down Sudan

Published on Wednesday 30 January 2008 21:19

CAMEROON striker Samuel Eto'o became the highest scorer in African Nations Cup history when he converted a penalty in a 3-0 win over Sudan yesterday.

The Indomitable Lions finish second in Group C behind Egypt with six points to go through to the last eight.

Eto'o's 27th-minute strike took his tally at African Nations Cup tournaments to 15, overtaking the 38-year-old record of Ivory Coast's Laurent Pokou.

A bizarre own goal by Mohamed Ali Khider effectively ended the contest six minutes later before Eto'o completed the scoring in injury-time, his fifth goal at the 2008 finals.

"We've been very efficient and scored 10 goals in the group stage, I don't know many teams who've done that," said Cameroon coach Otto Pfister.

"We totally dominated the first half and, although we did not put on a great show, I'm happy that we've qualified."

Eto'o should have scored in the third minute when he had a clear chance from close-range but his first effort was saved by Mahjoub El Moez and he somehow fired the rebound over the crossbar.

Cameroon looked sloppy and lethargic after that but, in one of their few fluid moves, they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Achille Emana and Eto'o converted to break Pokou's record.

Cameroon went further ahead six minutes later when Sudan midfielder Rtshard Justin Lado's attempted clearance hit Ali Khider and rebounded into the net.

The Indomitable Lions relaxed after half time and Sudan, who lost all three of their games and failed to score a goal, enjoyed some pressure.

Mohamed Tahir tested Idriss Carlos Kameni with a low free-kick from the edge of the area in the 71st minute and Haitham Mostafa fired wide from the edge of the area shortly after. But Eto'o had the last say as he broke clear of the Sudan defence in injury-time and placed his shot past El Moez.

Holders Egypt also eased into the quarter-finals despite conceding a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Zambia, who were eliminated after Cameroon's win over Sudan.

Amr Zaki scored after 15 minutes in another solid display by the defending champions, who finished with seven points, one more than Cameroon.

Egypt were left to rue a string of missed chances and were caught out after a sustained period of pressure when Chris Katongo blasted home from close range in the 89th minute.

Zaki's goal came at the end of a swift move with Sayed Moawad providing him with an easy finish for his second goal of the tournament. A fine save by Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene denied Zaki again just before the hour-mark.

"Our performance was not as good as before but we made it through to the next round without any injuries," said Egypt assistant Shawky Gharib. "That was our main aim."

Katongo had several shooting chances for Zambia but failed to find the target, before his last gasp effort.

"At least we go home with some kind of satisfaction, displaying the talent and skill in our team. It is a pity we are going, as we could have ended more entertainment to this tournament," insisted Zambia coach Patrick Phiri.

Egypt will stay in Kumasi for Monday's quarter-final against the runner-up in Group D, which is to be settled today.