JOHANNESBURG: Algeria, Libya and Malawi triumphed this weekend to keep alive hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

A three-goal second half burst helped the Desert Foxes of Algeria edge the Teranga Lions of Senegal 3-2 in Blida and take a one-point advantage in Group 6 with one round to play.

Long serving Ahmed Saad was the hero of Libya as his goal six minutes from full-time earned a 1-0 win over Ghana in a top-of-the-table Group 5 Tripoli clash marred by an injury to Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien.

Malawi were the latest team to inflict misery on Group 12 whipping boys Djibouti, winning 3-0 in the tiny Horn of Africa state via goals from Chiukepo Msowoya, Moses Chavula and Atosaye Nyondo.

After a scoreless first half in Blida, Issiar Dia put the previously unbeaten Senegalese ahead only for Yacine Bezzaz, Rafik Saifi and Antar Yahia to score within 14 minutes.
Mamadou Sougou grabbed a stoppage-time consolation goal for Senegal, who host Gambia in their final match next month while Algeria travel to group strugglers Liberia.

Libya won their fourth consecutive match without conceding a goal after suffering a hiding in Ghana last June, and a point from their away fixture against Gabon on Oct 11 would seal first place.

A blunder by defender Harrison Afful led to the winner as he failed to clear a through ball, allowing Saad to beat goalkeeper Richard Kingson from an acute angle.

Essien, who had been a doubtful starter, was the victim of a cynical foul midway through the opening half and Stephen Appiah came on to end a nine-month injury induced absence from the Black Stars. -- AFP