Cameroon and Ivory Coast secure Beijing slots

Cameroon and Ivory Coast secured slots at the 2008 Beijing Olympics football tournament with impressive weekend wins.

Indonesia-based Christian Bekamenga scored five minutes from full-time in Guinea to clinch a 3-1 that gave the 'Indomitable Cubs' of Cameroon a four-point lead in Group C with one round left.

And Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou was among the scorers as Ivory Coast overwhelmed Zambia 4-1 in Abidjan to record a fourth consecutive Group B victory and build a five-point advantage.

It will be the third appearance of 2000 Sydney gold medalists Cameroon at the quadrennial tournament where national under-23 squads can include three over-age footballers.

Ivory Coast are going to the Games for the first time and could be a side to watch as experienced French coach Gerard Gili has moulded a potent mix of local and foreign-based footballers.

The third place reserved for Africa rests between Group A leaders Ghana and second-placed Nigeria, who will climb to the top if they defeat South Africa at home next March.

Ghana have represented Africa six times, most notably by finishing third at the 1992 Barcelona Games, and the highlight of five appearances by Nigeria was winning the 1996 edition in Atlanta.

After closest challengers Morocco lost 2-0 in Botswana, Cameroon knew three points would suffice and were ahead within 13 minutes through France-based Aurelien Chedjou.

Abdoulaye Sylla levelled midway through the first half in Conakry only for Alexis Enam from Libyan club Al-Ittihad to edge the Cubs in front again before half-time.

Gervais Yao Kouassi scored twice and Sekou Cisse once to put the Ivorian 'Baby Elephants' three goals ahead after 59 minutes and Given Singuluma pulled one back before Kalou completed the rout.

Daniel Addo squandered the best chance as Ghana were held 0-0 by Nigeria in Accra, shooting timidly at goalkeeper Ambrose Vanzekin after breaking clear during the second half.

Knowing three points would take them beyond the reach of arch rivals Nigeria, Ghana attacked relentlessly, but even the introduction of Addo, Obed Ansah and Kwadjo Asamoah could not unlock the 'Dream Team' defence.

The final five qualifying fixtures are slated for March 26.