Didier Drogba scored what proved to be the winner in a match that puts Ivory Coast well on the way to qualification for next summer's World Cup Finals.

The Chelsea striker hit a 70^th minute goal to make the score 3-1 away against Burkina Faso, the game ending 3-2. Drogba played the full 90 minutes; Salomon Kalou was substituted in the closing moments.

Ivory Coast move three points clear at the top of their group, Burkina Faso having previously been the other side with a 100 per cent record.

Michael Essien was another World Cup qualification winner, Ghana winning 2-0 away in Sudan. He completed a victory that gives the group leaders a perfect nine points from three games.

Having not been selected for the previous match, John Mikel Obi was back for Nigeria and his side drew 0-0 in a tough away fixture in Tunisia. Nigeria now trail leaders Tunisia by three points but host the north Africans next game.

These matches end the senior international season for Chelsea players.