Jonathan Kodjia scored the only goal as Cote d’Ivoire recorded a 1-0 win over South Africa. Kodjia made up for failing to convert a first half chance after he got on the end of an excellent Max Gradel cross in the 64th minute, slipping it under Bafana Bafana keeper Rowen Williams.
It was Cote d’Ivoire’s first ever win over South Africa in seven meetings.
In another Group D match, Tunisia were surprisingly held to a 1-1 draw by Angola. The Carthage Eagles had gone ahead after Youssef Msakni converted a 34th minute penalty. Djalma tapped home the equalizer in the 73rd minute after Tunisian keeper, Ben Mustapha parried a shot into his path.
In Group E, the Eagles of Mali scored four excellent goals as they ripped debutants, Mauritania apart 4-1. Mauritania started brightly but their challenge faded after Abdoulay Diaby cracked home a 25-yard thunderbolt.
A Moussa Marega penalty and an excellent solo effort by Adama Traore increased the tally as Mali threatened to run riot. The debutants pulled one back from the penalty spot through Moctar Sidi El Hacen before Adama Traore, no relation to the previous goalscorer, curled home a delightful fourth to seal the win.
In today’s matches, The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon begin their title defence when they take on The Wild Dogs of Guinea-Bissau, while The Black Stars of Ghana face the Squirrels of Benin.