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AFCON round-up: Ivory Coast off to winning start thanks to Jonathan Kodjia

Angola net late to earn point against Tunisia in Group E

Aston Villa's Jonathan Kodjia scored Ivory Coast's winner against South Africa
Image: Aston Villa's Jonathan Kodjia scored Ivory Coast's winner against South Africa

Ivory Coast began their campaign in the African Cup of Nations' toughest group with a 1-0 win over South Africa on Monday.

The Ivorians edged an early crunch game at the tournament in Egypt when Aston Villa's Jonathan Kodjia finished neatly from a cross by Max Gradel in the second half.

The striker's goal was enough, although Nicolas Pepe hit the crossbar with a free-kick for Ivory Coast in the first half and was denied again near the end when another free-kick was saved brilliantly by Ronwen Williams.

Group D has three former champions in Ivory Coast, South Africa and Morocco. Morocco beat Namibia 1-0 on Sunday.

In Monday's second game, Angola scored a late equaliser in Suez to draw 1-1 with Tunisia in Group E when Djalma Campos pounced on a goalkeeper error.

Youssef M'Sakni gave Tunisia the lead in the first half from the penalty spot.

Also See:

Mali top the group after defeating Mauritania 4-1.

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