Internazionale striker Samuel Eto’o scored in a 2-0 victory over Morocco to secure Cameroon’s place in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Cameroon, who reached the quarter finals in 1990, are joined by Ghana – who are celebrating the second successive qualification for the finals – and Nigeria, who last qualified for the finals in 2002. Ivory Coast are the other African nation to qualify for the finals.
Cameroon’s World Cup campaign didn’t get off to a flying start but the victory on Saturday secured their place in the finals for a record sixth time for an African country. Achille Webo struck after seventeen minutes and then the formidable Eto’o scored seven minutes into the second half, which left Morocco rock bottom of the group and win less. Eto’o goal was his ninth in eleven qualifying appearances.
Ghana, who were already through to the finals after qualification in September, drew with Mali 2-2 on Saturday after goals from Matthew Amoah and Anthony Annan in the second half. Ghana were trailing 1-0 at half time but should good character to get back in the game and finish top of the group with thirteen points. Nigeria cliched their place in South Africa after a nail biting finish to their game with Kenya. The super Eagles trailed 1-0 at half time before hitting back in the 62nd minute through Obafemi Martins and then took the lead on the 65th minute through Everton striker Aiyegbeni Yakabu. Kenya equalized in the 79th minute before Martins grabbed a second four minutes later. Nigeria’s victory put Tunisia into 2nd place and out of the World Cup. Tunisia had led the group but lost their final game to Mozambique 1-0 and gifted Nigeria qualification.
