South Africa's forward Percy Tau (R) celebrates his goal during the 2019 AFCON Group E qualifier football match between Libya and South Africa at Stade Taieb Mhiri in the Tunisian city of Sfax on March 24, 2019 AFP
Libya failed in their bid to qualify for the African Cup of Nations as a double from Percy Tau gave South Africa a 2-1 win and a place in the summer Egypt finals on Sunday.
The Arab side needed a win to pip South Africa to second place in the group but they were undone by Tau's brace.
He put the visitors ahead in the 50th minute but Ahmad Benali converted a 66th-minute penalty to revive Libya's hopes.
However, Tau struck again just three minutes later to give South Africa a precious win as they finished second with 12 points, one behind already-qualified Nigeria and five ahead of third-placed Libya.
South Africa, who missed the 2017 edition in Gabon, became the last team to book a place at the Nations Cup, which kicks off on 21 June.
Libya have not played at the biennial tournament since 2012.
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