Ivory Coast Falls In Douala As Cameroun Picks Play-Off Ticket

The final group matches of the African World Cup qualifiers for Qatar 2022 were completed on Tuesday with Ivory Coast failing to secure a spot in the playoffs.

A first half strike from Olympique Lyonnais forward Karl Toko Ekambi fired Cameroon into the play-off round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers following a slender 1-0 win over Ivory Coast.

Cameroon entered the group decider in second place but overtook the Elephants to go two points clear at the top of the group with the victory.

It was a heartbreaking moment for the West African side who surrendered top spot, and will now miss the World Cup to be hosted by Qatar.  The Ivoirians will be missing in the World Cup for the second time in a row after failing to make it to Russia 2018.

Meanwhile, at Stade Olympique de Rades, three first-half goals helped Tunisia go top of Group B and reach the next phase of qualification following an emphatic 3-1 win over Zambia. Aissa Bilal Laidouni opened the scoring for the Carthage Eagles 18 minutes into the match before Nottingham Forest defender Mohamed Drager doubled their advantage in the 31st minute.

Al Ahly’s Ali Maaloul added Tunisia’s third goal two minutes before the break, while Fashion Sakala’s goal with 10 minutes left to play was not enough for the Chipolopolo.

The victory means Tunisia go two points clear of Group B as Zambia settle for third spot after a match which featured Leicester City’s Patson Daka while Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Enock Mwepu was not available.

Equatorial Guinea finished second following a 1-1 away draw against basement side Mauritania.

Equatorial Guinea entered into their encounter hopeful of victory and a Tunisia defeat to advance to the play-off round.

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