Striker Didier Drogba converted a first-half penalty to give Ivory Coast a 1-0 victory over Morocco in their African Nations Cup opener on Saturday.
The Chelsea player, who was tripped as he surged into the area, thundered home the spot-kick in the 39th minute of their Group A tie at Cairo's International Stadium.
The winning start, a day after group rivals and host nation Egypt trounced Libya 3-0, had to be ground out against a Morocco side who were more fluid going forward despite lacking the finishing touch.
Drogba, wearing the captain's armband, was substituted in the 66th minute but had already done enough in a game of few chances against the 2004 Nations Cup finalists.
