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Jonathan Kodjia scored the goal of Ivory Coast's victory against South Africa (1-0). Pierre René-Worms / RFI

Successful entry for the Ivorian Elephants, winners of South Africa Monday in Cairo (1-0). Faced with harmless Bafana Bafana, Ibrahim Kamara's men had to be patient before finding the opening. Thanks to Jonathan Kodjia, they are launched in this CAN.

Champion of Africa in 2015, pitifully eliminated in 2017 in the first round (two draws and one defeat), Ivory Coast looked forward to regurgitating at the Africa Cup of Nations. The reunion took place Monday, June 24, at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, facing South Africa, the first of his three opponents in Group D. A meeting that proved difficult to manage.

South African Themba Zwane wrestles with Ivorian Serey Die, June 24, 2019. Pierre René-Worms / RFI

In the heat, Pepe touches wood

The adversity of South Africans was not the only criterion to be taken into account for Ivorians. Both teams also had to contend with the sun and the overwhelming heat of the Egyptian capital. The thermometer rose above 38 ° C in the afternoon, making this match more difficult.

As favorite, the Elephants quickly took over the field, without dominating other measure. Above all, they showed a problematic lack of realism in the first period. Nicolas Pépé, twirling on his right wing, touched wood in the 31st by sending, on a direct free kick, the ball on the crossbar of Ronwen Williams.

Moments later, the goalkeeper Bafana Bafana did not need the help of his money to save his team. Jonathan Kodjia found himself alone against him for a duel, and the Ivorian stumbled on the hardien (32nd). The advanced striker, aligned with Nicolas Pépé and Max-Alain Gradel in support, could bite his fingers so ...

Kodjia makes the difference

In the second half, the pace has come down, and ironically, it is during a weak time of the Ivory Coast that the double-champions of Africa (1992 and 2015) managed to unblock the situation. South Africa has paid dearly for its forgetfulness in defense. Absolutely alone, Max-Alain Gradel was served on the left wing and was able to send a perfect cross to Jonathan Kodjia. This time, the Aston Villa striker did not tremble: a control, then a small ball between the legs of Williams, and Ivory Coast finally took control on the scoreboard (65).

The Ivorian Jonathan Kodjia, pursued by the South African Thulani Hlatshwayo, on June 24, 2019. Pierre René-Worms / RFI

Pushed to react, South Africa did try to rebuff. But the selection coached by Stuart Baxter was too weighty in attack. In 90 minutes, the Bafana Bafana have only shot once in goal, out of frame and more, in the first half ... Just a limit intervention of Wilfried Kanon on Lars Veldwijk, that the referee Mr. Mustapha Ghorbal judged lawful.

Under the eyes of Hervé Renard, successful coach in 2015 and now in position with the team of Morocco, Côte d'Ivoire has done the job, as they say. A little unpretentious victory, like Egypt or Nigeria. We expect a little better content from these Elephants, but the contract is filled with this important success to start the CAN. Here are the Ivorians leading the group D with 3 points, as well as Morocco, Namibian victorious on the same score of 1-0 Sunday. And precisely, the two leaders have an appointment on June 28 for the shock of this hen. A highly anticipated match.

► To read also: CAN 2019, Calendar, results and standings of the Africa Cup

CÔTE D'IVOIRE - SOUTH AFRICA : REACTIONS

Max-Alain Gradel, Ivory Coast team striker : " Winning was the most important. We know how difficult it is to enter a competition like the CAN. We knew it was going to be very hot. In these conditions, it was necessary above all to remain concentrated, disciplined and play the blows thoroughly. That's what we did. [...] For us, all games are important, whether against Morocco, our next opponent, or against South Africa. You have to play the same way, with a lot of desire and concentration, in the next part. "

Dear Furman, midfielder of the South Africa team : " It was a good match, difficult, open, for a first match. It was tight. Ivorians have probably obtained the best opportunities. We did not express ourselves as we could have done. We did not put enough pressure on them. For their part, they put this goal that gives them three points. But there are positive things to be removed from this meeting. Ivory Coast is one of the best teams in the competition. We have shown that we have nothing to fear and that we must move forward. A very important game is now waiting for us against Namibia. "

Interview by David Kalfa,