World Cup: Tunisia, Morocco qualify

Johannesburg, November 12

North African nations Morocco and Tunisia took contrasting routes as they qualified for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. 

Morocco scored twice within five minutes through Nabil Dirar and Medhi Benatia during the opening half to triumph 2-0 in the Ivory Coast and win Group C. The “Atlas Lions” are going back to the tournament for the first time since 1998 after finishing with 12 points, having not conceded a goal during the six-match group campaign.

Ivory Coast, who never looked like recovering from the first-half blows, came second with eight points.

Tunisia could not break down neighbours Libya in Rades on the outskirts of Tunis and had to settle for a 0-0 draw that was just enough to see them first over the finishing line. Had Tunisia lost, they would have ceded top place to DR Congo, who finished strongly to overcome Guinea 3-1. 

Senegal sealed a place in Russia on Friday and the other two African qualifiers, Nigeria and Egypt, secured slots last month.

Ireland hold Denmark

Copenhagen: The Republic of Ireland and Denmark played out a drab 0-0 draw in the first leg of their World Cup playoff. The Republic of Ireland now know victory in Dublin on Tuesday would secure a first World Cup appearance since 2002. — AFP