Libya have been given a lifeline in their bid to reach the 2008 African Nations Cup following a vital 3-1 victory over Ethiopia in the tournament qualifiers. A brace from Ahmed Al-Zowi and a goal from forward Salem Rewani ensured the comfortable victory for the Arab nation. Libya climbed to second place on seven points in Group 10, one point adrift of leaders DR Congo who were held to a 1-1 draw at Namibia on Sunday. The group's four teams can make it to the Ghana finals, as third-placed Namibia are tied at 7 points with Libya, one ahead of fourth-placed Ethiopia. In Group 9, the absence of Mali ace Frederic Kanoute of Sevilla and key midfielder Mahamadou Diarra of Real Madrid did not bother the North African country, who registered a thumping 6-0 home win over Sierra Leone. Seydou Keita and Boucedar Diallo each scored twice for the Malians before Djibril Sidibe and Basala Toure completed the wide score line.
Mali won without Kanoute Mali were fortunate to see leaders Togo crash to a 4-1 drubbing by Benin in Cotonou, as the hot qualifying seat becomes up for grabs with one match to go. Mali and Togo are level on nine points, but the former have the summit with a +seven goal-difference. Surprise package Benin are just one point behind them on third place. Elsewhere, 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa missed a golden chance to book their place to the Ghana finals after a 1-1 draw at Congo. A goalkeeping blunder by Rowen Fernandez allowed Jean Vivien Bantimba to cancel out Subusiso Zuma's opener for Bafana Bafana. Despite the draw, South Africa remain on top of Group 11 with 11 points, three points ahead of Zambia, and 'The Boys' need just a draw from the remaining fixture to go through.
