Super Eagles Fail To Qualify

African Cup of Nations reigning Champions, Nigeria, will not be defending their title next year in Equatorial Guinea after failing to qualify from Group A.

The Super Eagles were disappointingly held to a 2-2 draw by South Africa in Uyo at Wednesday's final round of matches. The draw meant that Nigeria finished outside of Group A’s top two automatic, qualification spots and also outside the best loser spot with eight points.

The Super Eagles went into the game with their fate in their own hands as a win would have guaranteed them second place and a place at next year’s tourney alongside South Africa who were already assured of first place in Group A.

But it didn't go as planned as the Bafana Bafana boys of South Africa cruised to a 2-0 lead to take control of the game after Tokelo Rantie scored a goal either side of half time as the visitor looked to win a competitive match against Nigeria for the first time.

Sone Aluko pulled a goal back on 68 minutes and Nigerian hopes were raised further when South Africa's Renielwe Letsholonyane was sent off. In added time Aluko, completed his brace but there was no time left to get the winner.

Congo finished second place as they beat Sudan away in Kartoum through an Igor Nganga goal in 63rd minute.

Congo Brazzaville, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Mali and DR Congo all claimed their tickets to the continent's showpiece event with their results on Wednesday.

The 2015 African Cup of Nations will take place in Equatorial Guinea from Saturday, January 17 to Sunday, February 8, 2015.