DR Congo's Yannick Bolasie (AFP)
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), Guinea and Uganda got a first-leg advantage in World Cup qualifiers after claiming away wins over Burundi, Namibia and Togo respectively on Thursday.
DR Congo came from behind to clinch a 3-2 win thanks to forward Ndombe Muble who scored a late brace in the 86th and 88th minutes, while his side were down 2-1.
The Congolese side will host Burundi in the second-leg on Sunday.
The Guinean youth striker Naby Keita scored an early goal in the 28th minute helping his side claim a precious 1-0 win over Namibia in Windhoek.
Thursday's win will make Guinea's mission easier in the second-leg set to be played at home on Sunday.
On the same day, Uganda similarly claimed a 1-0 away win over Togo thanks to Farouk Miya who scored the winner before the break.
Uganda will host Togo in the second-leg on Sunday.
Benin claimed a narrow 2-1 win at home over Burkina Fas. West Bromwich Albion forward Stephane Sessegnon converted a penalty, one minute after the break, while Issiaka Babatounde added the second four minutes from time.
Burkina Faso's striker Prejuce Nakoulma kept his side's chance alive in the African qualifiers with his goal.
They will host the second-leg in Ouagadougou on Tuesday.
The winners of the second-round games will be drawn into five four-team groups, with the leaders directly reaching the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.
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