Egypt coach Hassan Shehata believes justice was done after his side eventually saw off Ivory Coast 4-2 on penalties to lift the African Nations Cup.
The game in Cairo finished goalless after extra time but both sides had chances to win the game.
Didier Drogba missed a sitter for the Ivory Coast, Amr Zaki had a goal ruled out for Egypt, and then Pharaohs' captain Ahmed Hassan missed a penalty during extra time.
But Shehata felt it was a deserved victory for his side, and claimed it should have all been over after 90 minutes.
"The goal Zaki scored late in the normal time should have stood because there was nothing wrong with it and when we again lost the penalty in extra time, I was beginning to think it was not going to be our day," he told BBC Sport.
"Thank God we were luckier during the penalty shoot-out.
"We won the championship after a lot of effort and sweat and with support from the president (Hosni Mubarak), technical staff and players.
"The final match was a marathon. We exerted a lot of sweat and effort to please this great nation.
"This great achievement is dedicated to the Egyptian fans who stood by the national team.
"God always rewards those who perfect what they do and we exerted huge efforts to win the championship until this dream came true."
By lifting the trophy, Egypt become the first country to win it five times, having won it previously in 1957, 1959, 1986 and 1998.