Africans march into last eight

Margiotta tussles with Okoronkwo and Okpara

Arsenal striker Lauren fired Cameroon into the Olympic football quarter-finals on a good day for the African nations.

The 23-year-old, signed by Arsene Wenger in the summer, was on target for the Indomitable Lions in a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic.

Nigeria joined them in the last eight after securing the point they needed against fancied Italy.

But there was not much for the home crowd to cheer about as Australia slumped to their third successive defeat, this time losing to Honduras.

The Czechs also crashed out at the group stage, despite Lukas Dosek's equaliser against Cameroon, having failed to win any of their games.

Reigning Olympic champions Nigeria went a step nearer to retaining their crown following their 1-1 draw with Marco Tardelli's Italian side.

Advantage

Captain Garba Lawal put them ahead from the penalty spot after Vicxtor Agali was brought down by goalkeeper Christian Abbiati.

Cameroon's Aaron Nguimbat in action

But the Super Eagles were reduced to 10 men when Azubuike Oliseh was dismissed for chopping Ighli Vannucchi.

The Italians took just four minutes to make their advantage count, courtesy of skipper Roberto Baronio, which left Nigeria hanging on to protect their point.

The American team topped their group on goal difference from Cameroon thanks to a 3-1 defeat of Kuwait. Goals from Danny Califf, Chris Allbright and Landon Donovan sealed the points for the US, who will meet Japan, Brazil or South Africa for a place in the semi-finals.

Honduras' 2-1 triumph over Australia proved to be in vain following Nigeria's point. A double from David Suazo was enough to wipe out a Jaime Rosales own goal and complete a miserable week for the hosts.

"It's almost unbelievable that we came away empty-handed," moaned Australian coach Raul Blanco.

"We played three good games, and the team gave everything they had."