A quick summary of action around the first legs of the CAF playoffs on SAT 12-TUE 15 OCT 2013.

• Burkina Faso 03-02 Algeria: The Burkinabe were awarded a penalty late in the first half, but Aristide BANCÉ’s spot kick was saved by Algerian goalkeeper Rais M’BOLHI. Nonetheless, the home side twice took the lead, from Jonathan PITROIPA and then Djakaridja KONÉ, only to concede equalisers to Sofiane FEGHOULI and Carl MEDJANI. But then, with just four minutes left to play, the match turned on another penalty decision, this much more controversial. A shot deflected off Algeria’s Essaid BELKALEM’s arm from close range; though Belkalem was holding his arms close to his body, referee Janny SIKAZWE pointed to the spot. This time, Bancé made no mistake, giving Burkina Faso the advantage heading into the second leg.
• Côte d’Ivoire 03-01 Senegal: A penalty by Didier DROGBA, an own goal by Ludovic SANÉ, and a strike by Salomon KALOU have the Elephants nearly in Brazil, though Papiss Demba CISSÉ’s goal in stoppage time could still prove critical. The second leg is to be played in Morocco, as Senegal are still banned from playing at home due to rioting at an African Nations Cup qualifier last year, also against Côte d’Ivoire.
• Ethiopia 01-02 Nigeria: The home side took the lead on a strange play just before the hour mark, as a looping cross by Behailu ASSEFA was caught by Nigeria keeper Vincent ENYEAMA – after it had already crossed the goal line. But two goals by Emmanuel EMENIKE, including one from the penalty spot, gave Nigeria a win in the first leg.
• Tunisia 00-00 Cameroon: The match began at a blazing pace, as Tunisia captain Yassine CHIKHAOUI took the first shot on goal ten seconds in. Alas, that save, and many others by Charles ITANDJE, kept the match scoreless. In the second half, Pierre WEBO had a golden opportunity to put the Indomitable Lions ahead, but with an open net, he somehow chested the ball wide.
• Ghana 06-01 Egypt: Asamoah GYAN’s two goals, including a fifth minute opener, put the Black Stars well on their way to Brazil.