Ivory Coast first to reach World Cup play-offs

Ivory Coast became the first country to reach the play-offs in the Africa zone qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup after winning 4-2 in Tanzania today.

The result gave the ‘Elephants’ from west Africa an unassailable five-point Group C lead over Morocco, who triumphed 2-0 against bottom side Gambia in Marrakech late Saturday.

Substitute Wilfried Bony sealed victory for the 2006 and 2010 World Cup qualifiers with a goal three minutes into stoppage time at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Indian Ocean city Dar es Salaam.

The other five goals came in a thrilling first half with Amri Kiemba giving Tanzania the lead on two minutes and Russia-based beanpole striker Lacina Traore levelling.

Reigning African Footballer of the Year Yaya Toure nudged Ivory Coast in front midway through the half, Thomas Ulimwengu equalised and Toure struck again by converting a penalty just before half-time.

Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia and Tunisia could join Ivory Coast in the play-offs later today while the other five group winners will be known only after the final mini-league fixtures during September.