Having failed to win a single match in a title defence two years ago, Ivory Coast began with three points against South Africa at the AFCON.
Jonathan Kodjia’s second-half strike saw Ivory Coast edge to a 1-0 win over South Africa in their Africa Cup of Nations opener.
Les Elephants exited at the group stage two years ago having failed to win a match as defending champions, but they collected three points at the first attempt this time in Cairo on Monday.
Lille star Nicolas Pepe hit the bar with a first-half free-kick and Ivory Coast had to stay patient, finally getting their goal midway through the second period from Kodjia.
The goal clinched an ultimately deserved victory for Ibrahima Kamara’s men, who play Morocco next as South Africa face Namibia.
South Africa had the first chance of note shortly before the half-hour mark as Thulani Hlatshwayo headed just wide of the top-left corner, but Ivory Coast built momentum heading into half-time.
Pepe saw a superb 20-yard free-kick crash away off the crossbar, before Ronwen Williams superbly saved from Kodjia at close range as the striker bore down on goal.
But Kodjia capitalised on his second big opportunity after 64 minutes, with the Aston Villa striker left completely unmarked to control and send a scruffy finish under Williams, Max Gradel with the assist.
Ivory Coast brought Wilfried Zaha off the bench in a bid to extend their lead but instead had to see out a nervy finish, although only Williams’ stunning diving stop denied Pepe from making it two with another fizzing free-kick.
Key Opta Facts:
– Ivory Coast have only lost one of their last 18 opening games at the AFCON (W11, D6), it was in 1996 against Ghana (0-2).
– South Africa have lost three of their last four group-stage games at the AFCON (D1).
– After this defeat, they have won only one of their last 15 games in the competition (D7 L8), it was against Angola on home soil in January 2013 (2-0).
– Gradel has delivered the assist for two of Ivory Coast’s last three goals at the AFCON.
– South Africa have conceded their last nine AFCON goals in the second half.
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