Cote D’Ivoire got a first opening match win at a World Cup after goals in two minutes helped the Elephants come from a goal down to defeat Japan 2-1 in a Group C match in Recife.

And despite having to endure early Ivorian pressure, Keisuke Honda gave the Asian side the lead with a 16th minute strike, evading a challenge from Yaya Toure before firing home.

But goals in two second half minutes from Wilfred Bony in the 64th and Gervinho in the 66th, both with headers from crosses by Arsenal target Serge Aurier gave Cote D’Ivoire the win.

The win leaves the Ivorians in second behind Colombia who much earlier defeated Greece 3-0 in the opening Group C match. The Ivorians will next face Colombia on Thursday.