Holders Nigeria were bundled out of the African Nations Cup qualifiers on Wednesday as the final six places for the 2015 finals were decided.

Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea, the Ivory Coast and Mali all made certain of their spots and join the 10 countries who had already booked their places at the tournament in Equatorial Guinea.

Nigeria had to beat Group A winners South Africa in their last qualifier at their new stadium in Uyo to stand a chance of defending their title at the Jan. 17 to Feb. 8 continental championship.

They were 2-0 down shortly after half-time, however, after quick goals either side of the interval from striker Tokelo Rantie.

Nigeria pulled one back from Sone Aluko with 22 minutes remaining and the Hull striker then equalised deep into stoppage time against opponents, who had been reduced to 10 men late on.

Congo finished second behind South Africa after a 1-0 win in Sudan, where Francis Ndanga’s second-half free-kick ensured that veteran coach Claude Le Roy will go to a record eighth tournament.

Guinea beat Uganda 2-0 in Casablanca to finish second in Group E behind Ghana who topped the standings.

Guinea had to move their match to a neutral venue because of a ban on playing at home where the Ebola virus has claimed more than 1,000 lives.