… late winner for Nigeria keeps hopes alive
JOHANNESBURG, (Reuters) – Algeria moved to within one point of World Cup qualification with a 3-1 comeback win over Rwanda yesterday and Tunisia’s 1-0 victory over Kenya kept them two points clear of Nigeria with one match to play.

Portsmouth fullback Nader Belhadj scored Algeria’s vital second goal as the north Africans had to come from behind against last-placed Rwanda in Blida and a draw against Egypt in Cairo next month would seal their place in South Africa.

Abdelkader Ghezzal had earlier netted the equaliser and a late penalty from Karim Ziani ensured Algeria stayed three points clear of the African champions in Group C.

Tunisia were seconds away from securing qualification from Group B thanks to Issam Jomaa’s first-minute strike against Kenya before Obinna Nsofor scored three minutes into stoppage time to snatch a 1-0 home win for Nigeria against Mozambique in Abuja.

Tunisia maintained their two-point advantage and can secure qualification in Mozambique next month. Nigeria finish their campaign in Nairobi against Kenya at the same time.

A goal in added time from Mohamed Aoudou ended Ghana’s winning run in Group D as they lost 1-0 in Benin.

Ghana secured World Cup qualification last month but Benin’s victory means they are through to January’s African Nations Cup finals.

Frederic Kanoute’s last-minute winner also secured Mali’s berth in the continental championship, and Burkina Faso are through to the tournament in Angola after winning 2-1 in Guinea.

The Nations Cup field is being determined by the World Cup qualifiers.

On Saturday, Ivory Coast became the second country from Africa to qualify for the World Cup.