The five African countries that qualified for the last World Cup are all still in contention for a returnthe 2014 finals as the continent's final round playoffs begin at the weekend.
.
Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Nigeria all participated at the 2010 finals and have advanced as group winners to the five playoff matches that will determine Africa's representatives for next year's tournament in Brazil.
.
Hosts South Africa were a sixth representative from the continent in 2010 but have been eliminated from the 2014 race.
.
Reigning African champions Nigeria and the top- ranked Ivory Coast start as overwhelming favourites but the others need to get through testing contests if they are to repeat their qualification of four years ago.