Ivory Coast, the defending champions of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), defeated Zambia 2-0 at home in a rematch of the 2012 Afcon final at Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Friday night.

Despite having the better of the first half and having the majority of possession, Ivory Coast only managed two shots on target, both of which were stopped by Zambia goalkeeper Tresford Mulenga.

In addition to providing little in the way of an offensive counterattack, the visitors were dealt a setback when Edward Chilufya was substituted for Clatous Chama on the pitch after just 26 minutes of play.

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Similar patterns continued in the second half as the Elephants dictated terms but were unable to break through against a strong Chipolopolo defence.

With just under 20 minutes remaining in regulation time, though, the West African heavyweights finally found some luck when substitute Jean-Philippe Krasso, who scored shortly after coming on, gave Ivory Coast a 1-0 lead. Simon Adingra set up the goal.

And Ivory Coast promptly secured all three points when Krasso scored a second goal in the 84th minute off an assist from fellow substitute Benie Traore.

On Tuesday, September 10, the teams will resume play in Group G.

Ivory Coast will play “away” against Chad in Abidjan, and Zambia will host Sierra Leone in Ndola.