Africa Cup of Nations challengers Ivory Coast were unable to get their campaign of to a winning start as Guinea held them to a 1-1 draw in the opening match of Group D.

Mohamed Yattara volleyed Guinea in front on 36 minutes to give the Syli Nation a surprise lead against the star-studded Ivorians.

No surprise Guinea are doing well; scored 6 goals in final 2 qualifiers & Asamoah Gyan said Guinea gave them their hardest game. #AFCON2015

— John Bennett (@JohnBennettBBC) January 20, 2015

Ivory Coast's task became even harder in the second half when former Arsenal winger Gervinho was sent off for pushing an opposition player.

However, Seydou Doumbia rescued a point for the Ivorians after he was set up by Manchester City's new signing Wilfried Bony.

Cameroon and Mali dispute tonight's second group game in Equatorial Guinea.