A double from Gervinho on 38 and 53 minutes, and goals from Lacina Traore (40) and Didier Ya Konan reassured coach Sabri Lamouchi ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations 2013 that will kick off next Saturday. Mohamed Abou-Treika (19) and Mohamed Nagy “Gedo” (60) scored Egypt’s goals.

The seven-time African champions produced a better performance than their poor show in a 3-0 defeat by Ghana on Thursday but that was not enough to overcome a star-studded Ivorian side.

Coach Bob Bradley fielded a different team from the one that played against the Black Stars, fielding several Ahly players who were away on a club commitment.

Mohamed Abou-Treika broke the deadlock after 19 minutes when he met a pinpoint cross from left winger Ahmed Shedid with a fine header.

The Ivoirians responded soon with two quick-fire goals. In the 38th minute, Gervinho scored the equalizer from a controversial penalty after Max Gradel was adjudged to have been brought down by Ahmed Fathi. TV replay showed there was a minimal contact.

Two minutes, later Lacina Traore controlled a fine cross from the right flank, dribbled past keeper Essam el-Hadary and slotted into an empty net.

Going into the second half, Coach Sabri Lamouchi brought in his heavyweight players with Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Yaya Toure coming off the bench.

However, it was Gervinho who extended the gap from close range in the 53rd minute as Fathi failed to clear a cross as the ball fell kindly for the Arsenal forward to notch home from inside the six-yard box.

Egypt notably improved following Gervinho's third goal, pouring forward en masse and laying siege to the Ivorian area.

Gedo pulled one back on the hour mark after an excellent exchange of passes between Fathi, Abdallah El-Saied and Abou-Treika, who released Shedid on the left flank to send a low cross inside the six yards for the Ahly forward to drill home.

Gedo could have restored parity when he was sent clear in the area but his shot was blocked by keeper Boubacar Barry. The Egyptian had a penalty claim waved away by the referee after being apparently fouled by Kolo Toure.

Second-half substitute Didier Ya Konan killed off the game with an 82nd minute goal to put the result beyond doubt.