Sports Africa's hope: Ivory Coast dig deep to beat Japan

[Chris Maduewesi]

Ivory Coast finally lived up to its billing as one of Africa's football powerhouse coming from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in the early hours of Sunday morning at the ongoing 2014 FIFA World Cup tournament.

It was a case of what may be as the Ivory Coast team,laden with immense talent had to turn the screw to be able to secure the victory.

On Friday Cameroon lost to Mexico and it would have been disappointing for another African team to follow suit with a defeat.

Coach Sabri Lamouchi started veteran striker #DidierDrogba from the bench in preference to Swansea City player,Wilfried Bony and he was later vindicated for that bold decision.

A stunning strike from AC Milan forward #KeisukeHonda got the Japanese in front in the 16th minute.

But the introduction of Drogba did the magic for the Elephants who in two minutes found the goals they needed to win.

In the 64th minute #WilfriedBony towered to head in Serge Aurier's good cross which leveled 1-1 for the Ivorians.

Aurier turned provider again,assisting with another cross which #Gervinho did justice to with a header that sent them 2-1 up.

#IvoryCoast with the win moved up level on points with Colombia who top group C,with a superior goals difference.

They are now the first African team to win its game at the 2014 FIFA World Cup,with Algeria,Ghana and Nigeria yet to play.