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| Côte d'Ivoire defender Boka challenges Japan's forward Okazaki for an areal ball (Photo: Getty Images) |
Côte d'Ivoire early Sunday defeated opponents Japan in their group C opener at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife.
The Elephants were compelled to come from behind to secure a win after trailing 1-0 throughout the first half.
Japan star Honda scored from within the box after beating Ivorian defenders in a swift move and made a powerful shot into the net just 16 minutes into the first half.
But two second half goals from from strikers Wilfried Bony and Gervinho ensure an opening game win for the African side.
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| Drogba11, who inspired the win, celebrates with Gervinho (Photo: Getty Images) |
Bony headed home Serge Aurier cross
in the 64th minute before Gervinho also benefit from a Serge 66th minute cross to head home into the net.
Japan had taken the game to the Ivorians with quick intelligent interchange of passes but their opponents put too much [physical] fight for them.
The Elephants next opponents are Colombia at the Estadio Nacional in Brazilia on June 19, while Japan takes on Greece at the Estadio das Dunas in Natal the same day.
Côte d'Ivoire are tipped to top group C as favourites.
Brazil is hosting the FIFA World Cup amid protests against government corruption, unaccountable decision-making and the vast expenditure
used to host the games, money which they believe would be better spent on
public services like health and education.
Written by Modou S. Joof
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