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.
