Ivory Coast on their way to the Finals

Ivory Coast on their way to the Finals

Ivory Coast became the second African nation to qualify for the 2010 World Cup after a second-half strike from Didier Drogba earned them the point they needed to secure their place in South Africa.

There were also vital wins for Egypt and Cameroon in the penultimate round of qualifiers, but the biggest celebration no doubt occurred in Blantyre, where the Elephants drew 1-1 with Malawi.

The west Africans, who now join Ghana at next year's finals, had to fight hard for their place after being given a scare by their hosts.

Jacob Ngwira opened the scoring for Malawi after 64 minutes, but four minutes later Ivory Coast were level.

Chelsea striker Drogba, who had been on for just three minutes after replacing Sekou Cisse, was on hand to finish for the vital point.

The draw ended their 100% winning record, but manager Vahid Halilhodzic will certainly not be worried after his side moved to an unassailable 13 points in Group E with one game remaining.

Burkina Faso, who play Guinea on Sunday, have six points, three more than their opponents, while Malawi now have four points.

All three sides remain in contention for a top-three finish, which will secure a place at the 2010 African Nations Cup in Angola.

Elsewhere, Hosni Abd Rabou was the hero for Egypt scoring the only goal to help the African champions to a critical 1-0 victory over Zambia in Chililabombwe.

The winger, who plays for Ahli Dubai, scored after 70 minutes to lift the Pharaohs to 10 points in Group C, behind Algeria on goal difference.

A defeat for Hassan Shehata's men would have all but ended their chances, but the three points means that they can now sit back with less pressure watching their north African rivals take on Rwanda on Sunday.

Even if Algeria win that game, they face a daunting final game against Egypt in Cairo - a match they will need to at least draw to secure their passage to the World Cup finals.

In Yaounde, Cameroon left nothing for chance with goals from Geremi (30), Jean Makoun (48) and Achille Emana (57) securing an emphatic 3-0 win over Togo, whose chances of a second World Cup appearance came to an end.

However, the Indomitable Lions will have to wait for the final round of qualifiers to learn their faith after Gabon matched their rivals' three points with a 3-1 win over Morocco.

A 44th minute own goal from Hicham Mahdoufi set the hosts on their way in Libreville, before further strikes from substitute Eric Mouloungui (71) and Daniel Cousin (76) put Gabon three up.

Adel Taarabt (89) grabbed a late consolation, but it was not enough as the Atlas Lions also saw their dreams of a place at the global showpiece go up in smoke.

With a game to play, Cameroon lead the way in Group A on 10 points, one ahead of Gabon (nine), Togo (five) and Morocco (three).