Mohamed Elneny was on target in the Africa Cup Of Nations Final 2017, opening the scoring for Egypt but the contest ended in disappointment for the midfielder with Cameroon winning 2-1.
The Arsenal midfielder grabbed the opener on 22 minutes, picking up a pass from Mohamed Salah in the area before smashing past goalkeeper Ondoa at his near post.
Cameroon equalised in the second half, Nicolas Nkoulou heading Benjamin Moukandjo’s cross home after Egypt failed to clear a corner.
The game looked to be heading into extra-time until Vincent Aboubakar popped up in the 87th minute with a sensational strike to claim glory for his side.
GOOOOAAAL | M. ELNENY scores a goal for Egypt. Egypt – Cameroon 1-0 #CAN2017 #EGYCMR pic.twitter.com/R29dtrGV72
— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 5, 2017
After starting the tournament with Egypt, Elneny missed the quarter-final win over Morocco and semi-final against Burkina Faso with a calf problem.
However, the midfielder recovered to take his place in the final and his selection proved a masterstroke as he found the back of the net.
Elneny will now head back to Arsenal following the final and the Gunners will be delighted to have him back on board with the club struggling for midfielders.
Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey are both injured while Granit Xhaka remains suspended leaving Francis Coquelin as the only established central midfielder.
Arsene Wenger has used Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in a central role but will surely be delighted to welcome back Elneny.
Arsenal now enter a daunting set of fixtures with an in-form Hull the next visitors to the Emirates before the trip to Allianz Arena to face Bayern Munich.
The club then return to face Sutton United in the FA Cup and Southampton in the Premier League before a huge clash at Anfield against Liverpool and the return leg against Bayern.