Les Éléphants crashed out in the group stage two years ago when defending their 2015 crown but looked like more of a championship winning side at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo.

South Africa made their return to the tournament after failing to qualify for the 2017 edition in Gabon.

Under sizzling temperatures in the Egyptian capital, the Bafana Bafana were limited to counter-attack efforts, with captain Thulani Hlatshwayo heading narrowly over the top with their best chance of the first-half.

It was the Ivorians who had the lion's share of possession, though, and they could also have been ahead at the break.

Nicolas Pepe, who finished at Ligue 1's second highest scorer last season with 22 goals, saw a thunderous free-kick bounce back off the crossbar before South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams produced a reflex save to prevent Kodija opening the scoring.

As both teams started to wilt in the afternoon heat Kodija atoned for his earlier miss when, in the 64th minute, he got on the end of a whipped cross from Max Gradel to stab the ball home from close range.

South Africa substitute Lars Veldwijk tumbled to the ground under pressure from Serge Kanon late on as they pressed for an equaliser.

In the closing stages Pepe was denied by a flying Williams save but Ivory Coast took the points to join Morocco at the top of Group D.

Tunisia had to settle for a point in their Group E opener at the Suez Stadium.

The north Africans have qualified for every Cup of Nations since 1994 and have only failed to reach the knockout stage once in the last eight editions.

They did not have it all their own way against Angola, making their first appearance in six years.

Youssef Msakni gave Tunisia a half-time lead after Naïm Sliti was bundled over in the box and he converted the 34th minute penalty.

Tunisia could not find a second to put the game to beyond Angola and they got back on level terms when Farouk Ben Mustapha played in Djalma Campos to equalise in the 73rd minute. 

In Group E's other clash Mali cruised to a 4-1 victory against Mauritania.

Abdoulay Diaby, in the 37th minute, and a Moussa Malega penalty in the 45th minute put them 2-0 ahead at the break before Adama Traore scored for 3-0 in the 55th minute.

Traore was replaced by his namesake – Adama Traore – who added a fourth after 74 minutes in an easy win.

El Hacen El Id scored a 72nd minute consolation penalty for Mauritania in their first ever match at a major tournament.