Ivory Coast opened its African Cup of Nations campaign with a 1-0 win against Sudan on Sunday.
Didier Drogba scored from a first-half header from Chelsea teammate Salomon Kalou’s cross in the 39th minute.
Ranked more than 100 places below Ivory Coast, Sudan went closest when Mudathir El-Taieb’s shot rattled the crossbar just before halftime.
In the second group game, Angola also made a winning start after coming from behind to beat Burkina Faso 2-1.
Manucho’s long-range strike in the second half sealed victory for the Palancas Negras.
The former Manchester United forward struck in the 68th minute, completing the comeback after Alain Traore had leveled from a free kick in the 57th with both goals coming from two defensive blunders.
Mateus Da Costa had put Angola ahead in the 48th.