LOME -- Zambia's faint hopes of qualifying
for the 2002 World Cup finals were dashed when they lost 3-2 in
Togo on Sunday.
Late goals by strikers Jerome Dote and Eric Akoto gave
victory to Togo, who lie fourth in Group A with no chance of
qualifying for the tournament in Japan and South Korea.
Zambia dominated the first half and took the lead through an
early penalty by Elie Jatana.
Togo equalised three minutes after half-time through Komlan
Assignon, but Janvoini Izimbo restored Zambia's lead after 65
minutes.
Togo hit back again, though, exploiting Zambian defensive
errors to score twice in the last ten minutes, Akoto scoring the
winner from a free kick.
Group leaders Cameroon lost to Angola on Sunday but only
need to win their next match, at home to Togo on July 1, to
qualify for their fourth consecutive World Cup.
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