Didier Drogba’s first-half header gives Ivory Coast a 1-0 win over Sudan in their African Cup of Nations match opener.
Sudan proved stubborn in defence and almost responded immediately, but Moutata’s shot was tipped onto the bar by Barry.
Ivory Coast should have wrapped the game up in the second half but Gervinho, Yaya Toure and Drogba were guilty of bad misses.
Given the star quality throughout their team, it’s not hard to see why Ivory Coast are favourites to win the African Cup of Nations.
But this was a disjointed display by the Elephants with Sudan reducing them to a handful of half chances in the opening 45 minutes.
Gervinho missed the best of these, firing over after a neat turn on the box before heading over the bar from just a few yards out.
But Ivory Coast eventually moved ahead five minutes before half-time, and it came after a move of top quality from three Premier League players.
Watch the goal | Drogba
