By Austin Ditlhobolo | From Goal.com

Hull City’s Sone Aluko scored twice late on against ten-man Bafana but the holders could not force the win they needed to qualify for the 2015 tournament

African Cup of Nations (Afcon) holders Nigeria missed out on qualification for the 2015 competition despite coming from behind to claim a draw with South Africa.

Sone Aluko scored twice against the already-qualified visitors, but the Super Eagles were unable to force a winner in Uyo while Congo’s win over Sudan meant they missed out on qualification for the competition in Equatorial Guinea.

Bafana Bafana striker Tokelo Rantie nearly handed the visitors an early lead in the fourth minute, after the home defence made a mistake at the back, but the Bournemouth forward ballooned his effort over the crossbar.

The hosts’ first chance of the match came four minutes later, when CSKA Moscow winger Ahmed Musa beat Bafana defender Erick Mathoho for pace before unleashing a powerful strike which hit the crossbar, with goalkeeper Dareen Keet rooted to the ground.

In the 16th minute, Musa had two great back to back opportunites, finding himself in a one on one situations against Keet twice. However, the Kortrijk shot-stopper denied the 22-year-old attacker on both occasions.

Keet was again called into action moments later to keep out Ikechukwu Uche, whose strike from 30-yards out was well gathered by the South African goalkeeper.

In the 41st minute, Rantie broke down the left into the Nigerian box, before beating Super Eagles keeper and captain Vincent Enyeama at his near post, to hand the South Africans the lead.

And the visitors doubled their lead just three minutes after the break as former Orlando Pirates striker Rantiegrabbed his brace – outmuscling Nigeria centre-half Azubuike Egwuekwe on the edge of the box before hitting the back of the net.

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