South Africa's Nations Cup hopes shattered

السبت، 06 سبتمبر 2008 - 21:37

كتب : Hatem Maher

Bafana Bafana players

South Africa's hopes of reaching the African Cup of Nations have all but ended following a 1-0 home defeat to Nigeria on Saturday.

Getafe striker Ikechukwu Uche scored Nigeria's winner in the 70th minute when he turned two defenders before slotting home.

Nigeria have ensured their progress to the World Cup qualifiers' next round as they top Group 4 with 15 points, 11 clear of second-placed South Africa.

South Africa would have no problem playing in the 2010 World Cup as they host the tournament but they will most likely miss out on booking a place in the Nations Cup.

The Bafana Bafana need to finish this round as one of the eight best second-placed teams if they are to progress to the next round.

But having bagged just four points with one match remaining, it looks highly unlikely that the 1996 Nations Cup winners will go through.

Earlier on Friday, Libya caused a huge upset by beating Ghana 1-0 in Tripoli.

Experienced striker Ahmed Saad netted the winner four minutes from time.

Zamalek striker Junior Agogo played the full 90 minutes despite reports indicating that he was hit by malaria.

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