Football News : Nations Cup: Nigeria and Egypt fail to qualify

By ESPNsoccernet staff

Nigeria have failed to qualify for the African Cup of Nations for the first time since 1986 after a last-minute goal from Guinea saw them draw their final qualifier 2-2.

GettyImagesSamson Siasia's men have failed to qualify along with some other big hitters

Against the run of play, Ismael Bangoura gave Guinea the lead in the second half but Victor Obinna levelled. Nigeria then went ahead as substitute Ike Uche scored, but Ibrahim Diallo struck with seconds remaining to knock out the Super Eagles who join African giants Cameroon and Egypt in failing to make it to the tournament hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Meanwhile Ghana maintai ned their unbeaten record in qualifying to finish three points ahead of opponents Sudan and claim top spot in Group I. Al Ain striker Asamoah Gyan opened the scoring early on, before skipper John Mensah doubled the lead in the 21st minute to finish the game off.

Midfielder Isaac Vorsah was sent off for an off the ball incident after the break, but ten-man the Black Stars held on to record a 2-0 victory and seal their progress.

Zambia also sealed their place at the finals despite being held to a 0-0 draw by Libya in Chingola.

Libya needed to rely on their defensive efforts to keep the tie goalless, with 39-year-old goalkeeper Samir Aboud in excellent form, while Zambia also hit the woodwork twice. A point was enough for Zambia though, while their North African rivals will be forced to wait for a best runner-up spot.

A number of games had no impact on qualifying, as the teams involved were already unable to seal a place in the fina l tournament. Mozambique beat minnows Comoros 3-0, while Ethiopia coach Tom Saintfiet picked up his first win for the country - 4-2 over Madagascar. Swaziland and Congo also played out a 0-0 draw.