The 2015 African Cup of Nations will kick of in January without defending champions Nigeriawho failed to qualify for following a dramatic 2-2 draw against South Africa on Wednesday in Uyo.
Nigeria rekindled hopes of qualification with a hard-fought win earned at Congo last weekend, after a dismal qualification campaign which saw the Super Eagles drop precious points home and away.
But with Congo winning 1-0 in the other Group A qualifying match played on Wednesday, the Super Eagles have finished third with eight points while Congo, with 10 points, have qualified for next year’s competition in Equatotial Guinea.
Tokelo Rantie scored a goal either side of half-time to put South Africa 2-0 up but substitute Sone Aluko pulled one back for Nigeria in the 68th minute before equalising deep in stoppage time.
DR Congo meanwhile picked up the last qualifying spot to AFCON 2015 as best third placed nation in qualifying with nine points courtesy of a 3-1 win at home to Sierra Leone in a Group D encounter also on Wednesday.