JOHANNESBURG: Jean-Philippe Krasso was the unlikely star as Ivory Coast began their Africa Cup of Nations title defence with a 2-0 matchday one victor over Zambia in Bouake yesterday (Sept 6).
Omitted from the original squad for the Group G clash, he was called up in place of star Sebastien Haller and came off the bench to score twice in the second half.
Haller, who could not travel to west Africa as he was completing a move from Borussia Dortmund to Leganes, had netted the winner when Ivory Coast edged Nigeria 2-1 last February in the 2024 final.
Morocco, automatic qualifiers as 2025 hosts but playing qualifiers to gain competitive match practice, hammered visiting Gabon 4-1 in Group B with Hakim Ziyech converting two penalties.
Record seven-time AFCON champions Egypt were equally impressive, outplaying Cape Verde 3-0 in Cairo in Group C with Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush among the goals.
Burkina Faso equalised in the 95th minute through Ousseni Bouda to snatch a surprise 1-1 Group L away draw against 2022 champions Senegal, who had taken an early lead through Sadio Mane.
South Africa, third at the 2024 AFCON, salvaged a 2-2 home draw against Uganda in Group K thanks to an added-time goal from debutant Thalente Mbatha.
The substitute pounced on a loose ball just inside the box and fired a low shot past Ismail Watenga and into the net off a post on 95 minutes in Soweto.
Lyle Foster gave South Africa an early lead and they wasted several chances to increase the advantage before half-time.
Uganda rocked the hosts by scoring twice within two minutes early in the second half through Denis Omedi and Rogers Mato.
South Africa goalkeeper Veli Mothwa -- deputising for injured captain Ronwen Williams -- was at fault for the second goal as he allowed a long-range shot slip through his hands.
"Uganda were more aggressive than us when they lost possession and covered much more ground," admitted South Africa coach Hugo Broos.
"We need to be far sharper when we face South Sudan on Tuesday. That will not be an easy match," warned the 72-year-old Belgian who led Cameroon to the 2017 AFCON title.
Democratic Republic of Congo completed a double over Guinea this year with a superb Edo Kayembe goal on 27 minutes in Kinshasa delivering a 1-0 Group H victory.
The midfielder from English second-tier club Watford intercepted a pass, darted forward and scored from outside the area with a shot over goalkeeper Ibrahima Kone.
Kenya and Zimbabwe, both back in action after being barred from the last AFCON due to government interference, drew 0-0 in Group J in Kampala.
The match was staged in Uganda because Kenya are renovating several Nairobi stadiums to co-host the forthcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) for home-based footballers.
Former champions Cameroon and Nigeria are among six nations who will play the concluding matchday one fixtures on Saturday. A 24-fixture matchday two schedule kicks off tomorrow (Sept 8).