Portsmouth fullback Nader Belhadj scored Algeria's vital second goal as the north Africans had to come from behind against last-placed Rwanda in Blida and a draw against Egypt in Cairo next month would seal their place in South Africa.

Abdelkader Ghezzal had earlier netted the equaliser and a late penalty from Karim Ziani ensured Algeria stayed three points clear of the African champions in Group C.  Tunisia were seconds away from securing qualification from Group B thanks to Issam Jomaa's first-minute strike against Kenya before Obinna Nsofor scored three minutes into stoppage time to snatch a 1-0 home win for Nigeria against Mozambique in Abuja.

Tunisia maintained their two-point advantage and can secure qualification in Mozambique next month. Nigeria finish their campaign in Nairobi against Kenya at the same time. Frederic Kanoute's last-minute winner also secured Mali's berth in the continental championship, and Burkina Faso are through to the tournament in Angola after winning 2-1 in Guinea.

Bolivian surprise

Bolivia ended Brazil's run of 11 consecutive wins and 19 matches without defeat when they beat Dunga's team 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier at La Paz. There were no finals berths at stake since Brazil, who have qualified for South Africa 2010, remained top of the South American group on goal difference from Paraguay. Bolivia were already eliminated.

Bolivia went ahead after 10 minutes when midfielder Edgar Olivares headed home unchallenged at a corner.  They doubled their lead on the half hour with a fine free kick by striker Marcelo Martins.  The Brazilians pulled one back 21 minutes from time through Nilmar.

Results: South America: Bolivia: 2 (Edgar Olivares Burgoa 10th, Marcelo Martins 31st) bt Brazil: 1 (Nilmar 70th). Africa: Algeria: 3 (Abdelkader Ghezzal 22th, Nadir Belhadj 45+, Karim Ziani 90+ Pen0) bt Rwanda: 1 (Mafisango Mutesa 20th); Mali: 1 (Frederic Kanoute 89th) bt Sudan: 0; Tunisia: 1 (Issam Jomaa 1st) bt Kenya: 0; Nigeria: 1 (Victor Obinna 90+) bt Mozambique: 0; Benin: 1 (Mohamed Aoudou 90+) bt Ghana: 0.