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Tiote Steps Closer To World Cup
Written by Newcastle Utd
Cheick Tiote and Papiss Cisse went head-to-head in international action on Saturday, with the former coming out on top
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Cheick Tiote and the Ivory Coast are one step closer to a place in the 2014 World Cup following a 3-1 qualification play-off first-leg victory over Senegal on Saturday.
The Elephants stormed into a three-goal lead in Abidjan, however Newcastle teammate Papiss Cisse gave Senegal a glimmer of hope with a consolation deep into stoppage time.
Tiote and Cisse were both named in their country's respective starting line-ups and a Didier Drogba penalty with less than five minutes on the clock put Ivory Coast into an early advantage.
A Ludovic Sane own goal shortly after doubled the lead before Salomon Kalou struck number three in the 49th minute.
Cisse pulled one back for Senegal with only seconds remaining, firing home after the hosts failed to deal with a long ball into the area.
Both Magpies' men played the full match, with Tiote booked.
The second leg takes place in Senegal on Friday, 15th November.