Ivory Coast qualify for last World Cup phase

Germany-based striker Boubacar Sanogo scored twice to ensure an easy 3-0 win for the Ivory Coast over Madagascar yesterday and a place in the final phase of the African qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup finals.

The Ivorians, who competed at the 2006 finals in Germany, finished top of African zone Group Seven, ahead of Mozambique.

Ivory Coast, who needed a draw only at home to their island opponents, went ahead 1-0 at half-time through Sanogo, who was set up by strike partner Bakary Kone.

Kone rounded the goalkeeper and delivered a square pass for Sanogo to score again in the 55th minute and Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou converted a penalty 10 minutes later for the third.

Samuel Eto'o scored twice to take his World Cup qualifying tally to six goals and lead Cameroon to an easy 5-0 win over Mauritius.

The victory meant Cameroon completed the first group phase of African qualifiers unbeaten, seven points clear of the Cape Verde Islands at the top of Group One.

Barcelona striker Eto'o, who had scored four goals in as many starts, opened the scoring on 26 minutes and got his second from the penalty spot two minutes into the second half.

Substitute Albert Meyong Ze added two more and Olympique Lyon midfielder Jean Makoun was also on target.