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Nigeria, Cameroon qualify for World Cup

EGYPT'S last-gasp goal against Algeria day set up a one-match playoff between the two teams for a place in next year's World Cup, while Nigeria and Cameroon both secured spots in South Africa.

Algeria was just moments away from qualifying, but a goal late in stoppage time from Emad Meteab gave Egypt a 2-0 win in Cairo and put both teams level on points and goal difference in Group C. They will meet again on Wednesday in Sudan to decide the group winner.

Earlier yesterday, Obafemi Martins scored twice to help Nigeria come from behind and edge Kenya 3-2, and Cameroon secured its group victory by beating Morocco 2-0. But Tunisia lost 1-0 to Mozambique and will miss out on football's top tournament.

In Cairo, Meteab headed in a cross from Sayed Moawad five minutes into injury time to keep Egypt's World Cup hopes alive. Egypt had taken the lead after two minutes when Amr Zaki pounced on a loose ball to flick the ball home from close range.

Algeria had several chances to equalize but could not find the net, with Antar Yahia shooting straight at Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary in the 45th following a goalmouth scramble.

Rafik Saifi was clear on goal in the 58th but his lob was saved by El Hadary, and the Algerian then fired over the bar from five yards in the 63rd.

In Nairobi, Martins fired home in the 83rd to give the Super Eagles the victory.

Kenya opened the scoring when Dennis Oliech burst into the box in the 16th to beat Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama with a low shot. But Martins leveled in the 62nd, netting from close range with an assist from Peter Odemwingie.

Ayegbeni Yakubu then hit the post in the 65th but converted the rebound to make it 2-1 for Nigeria, before Allan Wetende equalized with a header in the 79th.

Nigeria topped Group B with 12 points from six matches, one clear of Tunisia.

Dario shattered Tunisia's hopes of reaching a fourth straight World Cup when he scored for Mozambique on a counterattack in the 83rd.

Mozambique secured third place with seven points to qualify for the African Cup of Nations.

In Group A, Cameroon secured the top spot with 13 points, four clear of Gabon, to reach the World Cup finals for the sixth time, a record for an African country.

Achille Webo skipped past the Morocco defense to fire a low shot from the edge of the area inside the post in the 18th minute.

Samuel Eto'o doubled the lead in the 52nd, diverting home a header from Jean Makoun.

Morocco finished last in Group A with three points, missing out on the African Cup of Nations.

In Group E, Ivory Coast had already secured its ticket for the World Cup but ended its qualifying campaign on a high note with a 3-0 victory over Guinea.

Gervinho netted in the 16th and 31st minutes before Siaka Tiene sealed the win with a free kick in the 68th.

The Elephants topped Group E undefeated with 16 points while Guinea finished last with three points.

Also, Moumouni Dagano scored to lead Burkina Faso to a 1-0 win over Malawi. Burkina Faso finished second in Group E with 12 points and Malawi took third with four points.

In Group D, Romuald Boco scored the winning goal to give Benin a 2-1 victory over Sudan in a meaningless qualifier.

Boco put Benin ahead for good in the 62nd minute in a match between two teams who had no chance of reaching next year's tournament. Ghana had already secured the World Cup spot from Group D after four matches.

Razak Omotoyossi put Benin ahead in the 36th with a penalty, before Hassan Ishag leveled for Sudan just before halftime with another spot kick.

Ghana has 12 points in the group and will play Mali today. Sudan remained in last place with just one point.



 

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