Dipsy Selolwane's winning goal takes Botswana above Tunisia

Tunisia kept their hopes of reaching a third successive World Cup finals alive with a dramatic late fightback in a 2-2 draw against Malawi in Blantyre.

The African champions were trailing the Group Five tie by two goals with just eight minutes left, whereupon Ziad Jaziri reduced the deficit.

In the 89th minute, Kaies Ghodhbane drew the visitors level when firing home in the penalty area following a scramble.

Malawi had opened the scoring after twenty minutes when Russell Mwafulirwa connected with Clement Kasawa's throw-in to head past Tunisian keeper Khaled Fadhel.

Group Five table

Shortly before the break, Emmanuel Chipatala put the Malawians into a shock two-goal lead when he converted Joseph Kamwendo's left-wing cross.

The Flames, who were playing their first match under caretaker coach Yassin Osman, had further chances early in the second half but neither Kamwendo nor Dick Malidadi could convert.

The home side were made to pay for the misses when Malawi's Allan Kamanga fouled a Tunisian player in the area after 76 minutes, and not only conceded a penalty but was sent off for his second yellow card.

Cup of Nations hero Francileudo dos Santos hit the bar with his spot-kick, but the miss clearly rallied the visitors whose late comeback sparked anger amongst the home fans.

Police were forced to fire rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the fans.

Tunisia briefly went second in Group Five, until Botswana stunned Kenya with a 2-1 victory in Gaborone.

The Harambee Stars took an early lead, as Dennis Oliech picked up a pass in the centre circle before slipping past the defence and Zebras goalkeeper Modiri Marumo to slot home in the sixth minute.

Yet Botswana, whose home form has kept them in contention in Group Five, equalised five minutes after half-time through Tshepiso Molwantwa.

The match was turned on its head just two minutes later, when Zebras star Dipsy Selolwane, who plays his football in America, found the back of the net to give his side a lead they never relinquished.

Botswana go second in Group Five, just one point behind group leaders Guinea who play Morocco tomorrow.