WORLD CUP: Three MLS players advance in Africa

Three MLS players helped their teams reach the final round of 2006 World Cup qualifying in the African zone:

ZIZI ROBERTS. The Colorado forward scored the first goal for Liberia in the Lone Stars' 3-0 win over Gambia to win its series, 3-2, on aggregate.

TENYWA BONSEU. Uganda blew a 3-0 lead from the first leg against Mauritius in Port Louis, but the Cranes recovered with an overtime goal by David Obua to win, 4-3, on aggregate. Bonseu, the Dallas defender, told the Kampala Monitor, ''I'm grateful to all Ugandans whose prayers enabled us to escape through a narrow path.''

DIPSY SELOLWANE. Botswana tied Lesotho, 0-0, to win its series, 4-1, on aggregate. The Chicago forward scored twice in the first leg.

The 30 teams still in contention will be divided into five groups of six teams at the World Cup draw Dec. 5. Africa has five berths in the 2006 World Cup.