Job rescued Cameroon with a stoppage time goal

Cameroon's standing in Group Three of 2006 World Cup qualifying took a significant dent on Saturday as they drew 1-1 against Sudan in Khartoum.

The home side took an early lead through Hamouda Bachir, who converted in the 18th minute, before Joseph-Desire Job headed in a stoppage-time equaliser.

Cameroon, one of the favourites to represent their continent at the next World Cup finals, were without African Footballer of the Year Samuel Eto'o.

Eto'o on the mend

The Barcelona player was hospitalised in Paris last week following a gastric problem and the Indomitable Lions struggled to score without him.

The four-time African champions missed a glut of chances, with Geremi the main culprit.

The Chelsea midfielder, who set up a number of chances for his side, missed a glorious chance to equalise midway through the second half when he lifted his shot over the bar with the Sudanese goalkeeper stranded.

Yet team-mate Joseph-Desire Job denied Sudan a famous victory, as well as their first in Group Three, when he headed home Timothee Atouba's pass deep into injury time.

The result leaves Cameroon third in Group Three with eight points, one behind the fancied Ivory Coast who can go top if they beat Benin in Lome on Sunday.

However, the group is currently topped by surprise leaders Libya, who beat Egypt 2-1 on Friday to leave the Pharaohs fourth at the halfway stage.