By Inas Mazhar BBC Sport, Kumasi

Zidan scored twice as Egypt beat Cameroon

Egypt striker Mohamed Zidan thinks his team's 4-2 win over Cameroon is proof they can successfully defend their Africa Cup of Nations title.

The Pharoahs struggled at times in qualification but their opening Group C win has given the squad a new belief.

"It's a game that we've been waiting a long time for, we are a strong team and we're coming here to defend our title," Zidan told BBC World Service.

"We want to show we are strong enough to win it a second time in a row."

The 26-year-old striker added: "We're giving everything we have, for our fans for our country, and I'm sure that we are going to reach the final."

Zidan scored two superb goals as Egypt outplayed Cameroon to take a firm grip on Group C.

The result was more surprising given the lack of time Pharaohs coach Hassan Shehata has spent with the national team during the past year.

Thanks to a busy domestic schedule for Egypt's top clubs, he believes his team has a long way to go before they are the finished article.

"Cameroon is a big team, and this result is a great start for us," he said.

"But I need to work more with the players to keep the cup in Egypt."