Cote d’Ivoire have reached the first FIFA World Cup Finals in their history following a 3-1 away win against Sudan in Omdurman. They needed Egypt to do them a massive favour in their match against Cameroon in Yaounde. This they duly did, holding The Indomitable Lions to a 1-1 draw that saw Pierre Wome miss a last minute penalty for the home side.

The Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire thought their chance of World Cup glory was gone following the dramatic 3-2 home defeat against Cameroon last month. But, with their fingers crossed, they produced the win required and benefited from the dramatic impasse in Yaounde. They took the lead after 24 minutes when Akale netted. Following the restart Dindane added two more - after 53 and 73 minutes - making the result secure. Moustafa scored Sudan’s consolation goal in the ninetieth minute from the penalty spot. All that was required now was the right result in Cameroon, and Cote d’Ivoire would be going to Germany next summer.

Their prayers were answered when Mohammed Shawky scored a dramatic equaliser for Egypt with ten minutes left in Yaounde. Cameroon had taken the lead after 20 minutes when Rudolf Duoala volleyed home from Olembe’s cross. As the home side pressed further, more chances came and went, and the crowd became increasingly nervous. Their worries were confirmed when a poorly defended corner paved the way for Shawky’s equaliser.

Cameroon threw everything at the Egyptians in a last ditch attempt to regain the lead, but resolute defending and a measure of luck appeared to suggest that a draw would be the final result. That was until a contentious penalty was awarded to the Cameroonians five minutes into added time. Pierre Wome took the spot kick, only to see it hit the post and go wide. The Cameroon players were distraught seconds later as referee Koman Coulibaly blew the final whistle.

On the other side of the continent the players of Cote d’Ivoire were in seventh heaven as their place in next summer’s final was confirmed.

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