Cameroon defender Bill Tchato admitted that Egypt deserved to be crowned African champions after beating the Lions for the second time in the Ghana finals.

Four-time champions Cameroon failed to beat the Pharaohs on two occasions, despite winning all matches against other opponents.

"We have to congratulate Egypt, they deserve their victory, in fairness, the best team won," said the Qatar SC defender.

"They have had a great tournament and we must not forget they were the holders, and their victory two years ago was no fluke."

Tchato, who was deputizing for suspended center-half Andre Bikey, could not prevent Mohamed Abou-Treika from scoring the winning goal ten minutes from time.