World Cup Qualification: Cote d'Ivoire 3 - Senegal 1.

On Saturday, Africa kicked off its third and final round of World Cup qualifying. Ten countries remain in the running, playing two-legged, house and away ties. The five teams that come out on summit book their spots in Brazil.

Didier Drogba scored as Cote d'Ivoire overcame Senegal 3-1 in Abidjan on Saturday to boost hopes of a third consecutive World Cup appearance.
The 35-year-old striker converted a penalty after five minutes at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Lamine Sane conceded an own goal and Salomon Kalou netted soon after half-time.

But Papiss Cisse pulled one goal back six minutes into stoppage time after the ball slipped from the grasp of goalkeeper Boubacar Barry.
 
Crowd violence when Senegal hosted Cote d'Ivoire last year in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier led to a one-year ban on matches in Dakar.

So upon summit of trying to wipe out a two-goal deficit, the Senegalese must play the November 16 second leg in Moroccan city Casablanca.

Turkey-based Drogba put the Ivorians ahead after Cheikhou Kouyate fouled Gervinho, whose cross nine minutes later was turned into his own net by Sane.

Roma broad man Gervinho was also involved in the third goal, sending Kalou through the center to beat Bouna Coundoul at his close post.