Ivory Coast survived a late scare to beat Sierra Leone-Sydney 3-2 in a thrilling Group C opener at the Western Sydney Wanderers Complex in Rooty Hill, as both sides kicked off their Sydney African Cup campaigns with goals to spare.

Veteran forward Mark Kamara put Ivory Coast ahead early, but Sierra Leone-Sydney hit back almost immediately when Jeremi beat several defenders on a fine solo run to level the score.

Ivory Coast regained control before the break, with Mattia and John Bamba finding the net to put them 3-1 up and in command of the contest.

Young striker Yayah Jalloh gave Sierra Leone-Sydney a lifeline late on, cutting the deficit to 3-2, but Ivory Coast’s defence and goalkeeper held firm to see out the win.

Sierra Leone-Sydney will look to bounce back next week against bitter rivals Cape Verde, who also opened with a 3-2 defeat, going down to Senegal. Both teams will be chasing their first points of the tournament when they meet in what is shaping up to be a must-win Group C clash.

This result follows Sierra Leone-Sydney’s Group C draw alongside Cape Verde, Senegal, Ivory Coast and South Africa.