As battle for the five African tickets of the 2014 FIFA World Cup get underway by the last ten teams standing, CEOAFRICA sports desk gathered interesting stories from different venues where actions took place.

The first game in the series of playoff was played by Stallions of Burkina Faso and Desert Foxes of Algeria. The match played in Ouagadougou, witnessed full capacity of the Burkinabe fans as they look forward to qualifying for their maiden world cup.

The host had slight hope of making the world cup a reality when they defeated their visitors by 3-2 courtesy goals from Jonathan Pitroipa, Kone and Aristides Bance.

In Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire move a step closer to Brazil 2014 by defeating fellow West African, Senegal 3-1 with veteran striker, Didier Drogba, opening the floodgates of goals for the Elephants.

The third game pitched the Wayas Antelope of Ethiopia against the African Champions, Super Eagles of Nigeria. The match played at the Addis Ababa National Stadium witnessed series of quality display from both sides, but in the 56 minute, the host took the lead as Nigerian Goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, misjudged a cross from Behailu Assefa.

In the 67^th minutes, the African Champions equalized through Emmanuel Emenike’s ferocious shot, and the same striker then won and scored a penalty late on to secure the win in the 90th minute when Aynalem Hailu needlessly brought the Nigerian down, allowing the Turkey-based striker to coolly slot home a decisive goal.

In far away Rades, the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia played 0-0 draw with the Samuel Eto’o led Indomitable Lions of Cameroun.

The remaining first leg of Playoffs will take place on Tuesday in Kumasi, where the Black Stars of Ghana will lock horns with the Pharaos of Egypt on Tuesdy.