Sport
Nigeria, South Africa out of nations cup
Embarrassing Celebrations
South Africa embarrassingly celebrated what they assumed was qualification at the end of their match in Nelspruit, having been unclear about the rules.
South Africa’s fans danced in the streets as the state-run broadcaster also thought their team had qualified.
Their football association president, Kirsten Nematandani, went on television to erroneously congratulate his players on reaching the 2012 tournament in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
Guinea substitute Ibrahima Traore’s stoppage time goal ensured a massive blow for the continent’s most populated country as twice champions Nigeria failed to qualify for the Nations Cup for the first time since 1986.
Nigeria needed a 1-0 win to finish top of Group B but were behind 10 minutes after halftime to Ismael Bangoura’s goal, only to fight back for a 2-1 lead before Guinea’s dramatic late goal.
There was also heartbreak for Uganda, who were top of Group J ahead of their derby with Kenya before a 0-0 draw in Kampala allowed Angola to sneak into first place.
Angola won 2-0 away to Guinea Bissau to deny the Ugandans their first Nations Cup appearance since 1978.
