Egypt, entering the final with a formidable record of only conceding one goal in the finals so far, had the better of the early stages, with Abdallah El Said forcing a save out of Cameroon goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa from a long-range effort in the second minute.
Cameroon responded well, Bassogog hitting a shot high and wide after Egypt keeper Essam El Hadary flapped a cross into his path, before Ondoa smothered a chance for Salah on the stroke of half-time.