Ivory Coast scored two second half goals to beat Japan and win their opening World Cup game in Recife on Sunday morning.
AC Milan’s Keisuke Honda gave Japan the lead in the first half, but a quick fire double from Wilfried Bony and Gervinho around the 65th minute saw the African side steal all three points and join Colombia at the top of Group C.
Coach Sabri Lamouchi decided against starting Didier Drogba and it was his side who started well and they nearly took the lead in the sixth minute, when Bony came close with a rasping shot.
Japan slowly grew into the game and Honda’s low drive after 16 minutes left Boubacar Barry with no chance.
Bony would then be called up again as he tested Japan’s resolve and it was his header that got the Elephants back into the game, moments before Gervinho added a second and completed the turn around.