Cote d'Ivoire struggled to overcome Libya 2-1 in their Group A match of the 25th African Cup of Nations played in Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday, becoming the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals.

But Didier Drogba's 10th minute goal and his team mate Yaya Toure's 74th minute header saved the Elephants from the embarrassment of a draw with the Greens, who proved to be a stubborn lot, equalising four minutes from break through Abdesalam Kames Ezwae's header from a well taken right cross.

During the first half, with the Ivorians possessing the ball 64 per cent of the time, Drogba and colleagues had numerous scoring chances, and yet none of them turned into goals.

The 2-1 outcome brought a sense of relief from the Ivorian side. They won their first match 1-0 on Saturday against Morocco.

The Libyans, losing their second match following last Friday's 3-0 defeat at the hands of hosts Egypt, have one more match on against Morocco next Saturday.

Egypt and Morocco play in the second Group A match of the day.