Didier Drogba blamed fatigue after Ivory Coast failed to impress in a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Sudan in their African Cup of Nations opener on Sunday.

The Chelsea frontman netted what proved to be the winner six minutes before the break when he rose above his marker to head home a left-wing cross from club teammate Salomon Kalou.

Ivory Coast withstood relentless pressure from Sudan to claim all three points in the opening game of Group B.

"It was a difficult match, the players were exhausted," the 33-year-old, who is hoping to lead the Elephants to their first major title since they lifted the Nations Cup trophy in 1992, said in a brief side-pitch interview with Al-Jazeera Sports.

"The most important thing is that we managed to get the three points."

Ivory Coast take Burkina Faso in their next Group B game on Thursday. Burkina Faso open their campaign against Angola later on Sunday.

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