France, Sept. 25 -- The 20-year-old Brighton midfielder Malick Yalcouye scored on his international debut just before half time at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.

Franck Kessie doubled the advantage from the penalty spot in the 58th minute.

Cote d'Ivoire take on Somalia on 29 September for their second game in Group C, while Ghana entertain Gambia.

"We know that every team in the pool will give their best to qualify for next year's tournament," said Renard. "We have to be humble, even if we know that we are favourites on paper. But it's on the field where you qualify."

In Group E, Democratic Republic of Congo beat Equatorial Guinea 2-0 to take early control of the pool, along with Zimbabwe who won 3-2 against Sierra Leone. Zimbabwe en...