"I didn't feel nervous when we missed our first penalty because I knew Alioum would save some of theirs - as far as I'm concerned he's been the best goalkeeper in the tournament," the German revealed.

He added that his goalkeeper had performed so well, he should have been named in Caf's 'Team of the Tournament'.

Boukar missed out - placed behind Senegal stopper Mario Sylva.

"I can't understand why Sylva was chosen as goalkeeper of the tournament. Alioum didn't concede a single goal," Schafer added.

Cameroon's captain Rigobert Song, one of those who missed a penalty for Cameroon, said he was relieved, but very happy.

"I am a lucky captain," the Cologne defender said.

"It's the second time that I've won this tournament as captain of the team - I just hope we can keep the atmosphere going to the World Cup."

While Cameroon cheered, Senegal's coach Bruno Metsu conceded his team was beaten.

"Cameroon are the champions of Africa," the Frenchman sighed.

"We didn't deserve to lose, but I wish I was in Schafer's shoes. We just have to go away and keep working hard."

And striker El-Hadji Diouf, who's poor performance was topped off by had a missed penalty in the shoot out, said Cameroon were worthy winners.

"The best team won today," Diouf said.