There were single goal victories for both Cote D’Ivoire and Egypt in ACN warm-up matches last night.

Didier Drogba grabbed a 37^th minute winner for Cote D’Ivoire against Tanzania in Dar-es-Salaam in front of nearly 60,000 people at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.

Despite fielding a strong line-up, the Ivorians were a little fortunate to win and had to rely on much-maligned keeper Boubacar Barry for a vital save from the Taifa Stars’ Jerson Tegete.

Ivorian coach Vahid Halilhodzic said: “I had warned my players not to underestimate them.” But he appeared to have ignored his own advice, adding: “I was surprised by how good Tanzania were…I am glad we won.”

Cote D’Ivoire play Rwanda on Thursday, also at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, in their final warm-up match before starting their African Nations Cup campaign against Burkina Faso next Monday.

Defending champions Egypt completed their preparations with victory over an experimental Malian side in Dubai, thanks to a 66^th minute long-range effort from substitute Mohamed Nagy Geddo.

The Pharoahs were far from totally convincing and Mali ought to have grabbed a late equaliser from the penalty spot, but Abdoulaye Traore struck the crossbar with his re-taken effort after his first, successful, kick was ruled out for encroachment.

Egypt also beat Mali 1-0 prior to their successful 2008 ACN campaign. They open their 2010 defence against Nigeria next Tuesday.

Mali help open the tournament on Sunday when they play hosts Angola.