Ghana became the first African nation to qualify for the World Cup, getting goals from Sulley Muntari and Michael Essien in a 2-0 victory over Sudan on Sunday.

Ghana's victory coupled with Mali drawing 1-1 with Benin enabled the Black Stars to top Group D and become the seventh nation to join host South Africa in next year's 32-nation tournament. Brazil qualified on Saturday to join Netherlands, Japan, Australia, North Korea, South Korea and host South Africa.

"It's a priceless honour for them to represent their country and qualify for a big competition like the World Cup," Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac said. "This team is very hungry to go again. They are aware of what they can achieve and they have the quality to go on and on."

Tunisia is on course to join Ghana in South Africa after midfielder Oussama Darragi's last-minute equalizer salvaged a 2-2 draw against Nigeria and kept the north Africans atop Group B.

Tunisia twice came from behind to maintain a two-point lead over Nigeria and boost the country's hopes of a fourth straight appearance at the World Cup.

Sliti Nabil had equalized for Tunisia in the 25th minute soon after Peter Odewingie Osazie's goal. Michael Eneramo came off the bench to put Nigeria in front again with 10 minutes left, but Darragi took advantage of poor defending to secure the point.

Mozambique stayed third, two points behind Nigeria, as Manuel "Tico Tico" Bucuane's second-half goal sealed a 1-0 victory over Kenya. Mozambique has four points from four games, while Kenya is last with three points.

In Group A, Togo missed out on a chance to take over the lead from idle Gabon after last-place Morocco scored an injury-time equalizer. The goal by substitute Adel Taarabt canceled out Moustapha Salifou's fourth-minute goal in the 1-1 draw.

Togo made its debut at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and is now second in Group A with five points from four games, one behind leader Gabon, which has six points from three. Gabon plays Cameroon, on Wednesday.

Later Sunday, Algeria beat Zambia 1-0 at home to move atop Group C. Rafik Saifi scored in the 59th minute, volleying past Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.

Algeria has 10 points from four games, three more than Egypt. Zambia has four points, and Rwanda is last with one.

Only the top team in each of the continent's five qualifying groups will play in South Africa next year.