JOHANNESBURG: Ivory Coast claimed a place at next year's African Nations Cup Sunday while three other heavyweights, including titleholder Egypt, were in danger of missing out after failing to win. Two goals from Didier Drogba helped the Ivorians thump Benin 6-2 away to win Group H with two matches to spare, earning it a place alongside already-qualified Botswana and co-host Equatorial Guinea and Gabon in the 2012 Finals. Former champions Cameroon, Egypt and Nigeria all drew, leaving them on the brink of elimination, with Samuel Eto'o missing a late penalty for the Indomitable Lions in a match marred by rioting by home fans. Egypt, winner of the last three tournaments, was held 0-0 at home by Group G leader South Africa in Cairo and need a minor miracle to stand any chance of being able to defend its title. The Egyptian Football Association said Monday it has parted company with coach Hassan Shehata. Nigeria is three points behind Guinea in Group B after captain Joseph Yobo scrambled a late equalizer in a 2-2 away draw with Ethiopia. Guinea beat Madagascar 4-1. Cameroon remained five points behind Group E leaders Senegal after Eto'o missed a late penalty and the match between the two heavyweights in Yaounde Saturday ended goalless. Home supporters rioted after the stalemate which virtually ended Cameroon's chances less than year after it was one of six African representatives at the World Cup finals in South Africa. Senegal will qualify if it beats Democratic Republic of Congo at home in their next qualifier in September. Burkina Faso's 4-1 away win over Namibia in Group F Saturday put it one point away from a Nations Cup final place. Uganda, 2-0 winner over Guinea Bissau Saturday, will qualify for the first time since 1978 if it can force an away draw against second-placed Angola in its next Group J game in September. Former Manchester United striker Manucho scored the winner in Angola's 1-0 win over Kenya. Rank outsider Central African Republic kept up its unlikely march with 2-1 home win over Tanzania Sunday and share the leadership of Group D with Morocco, who hammered neighbors Algeria 4-0 Saturday. Cape Verde still lead Group A despite a 1-0 defeat in Liberia while Tunisia is back in contention in Group K, won by Botswana, after Issam Jomaa scored a hat trick in a 5-0 victory Sunday over Chad. The winners of the 11 groups qualify for the finals plus the runner-up in Group K, which has five teams. The best two runner-up from Groups A to J also qualify. The final two rounds of qualifiers are to be played in September and October.
