Côte d’Ivoire cruised to a 3-0 friendly win over Uganda at the New York University Stadium Abu Dhabi, courtesy of three second half goals.
Strikes from Jonathan Kodjia, Wilfried Zaha and Serge Aurier powered the Elephants past the hapless Cranes.
After a dour first half, Côte d’Ivoire stepped up their game and got the lead through Kodijia, who profited from a shaky defending to head in Aurier’s cross past Denis Onyango in the 51st minute.
Zaha doubled the lead seven minutes later – his first international goal for the Elephants, while impressive sealed the win with a fine header.
Michel Dussuyer’s men begin their title defence against Togo on January 16, Stade d'Oyem, Oyem before facing DR Congo and Morocco in Group C.