CAIRO: Egypt failed to claim a second successive African Championship title after losing 24-21 to Tunisia in the final on Saturday.

Tunisia secured a record-extending eighth title after outplaying the Pharaohs in Cairo in front of around 15,000 spectators.

Egypt, who hoped to equal Algeria s tally of six titles, missed out on a place in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

However, they will take part in the World Championship in Sweden next year.

A slow start helped Tunisia go to the locker room with a 14-12 lead as Egypt failed to replicate their superb display against Algeria in the semi final.

Although Egypt keeper Hamada Al-Nakib pulled off a string of impressive saves, the hosts could not overturn the deficit.