The Elephants of Ivory Coast last night in Cabinda, Angola, became the first team to book the passage to the quarter final stage of the on-going 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, courtesy of an absorbing 3-1 victory over the Black Stars of Ghana.

The match touted as a titanic clash of Group B and tournament’s hot favourites lived up to the billing as the two sides asked for and gave no quarters.

Still smarting from their opening day’s scoreless draw with Burkina Faso, the Ivorians knew that they needed goals to assure themselves of a ticket to the next round.

As Ghana looked to be having the upper hand Ivory Coast in a swift counter attack went ahead through Gervinho.

In the second half, the Black Sars threw skipper Michael Essien and Asamoah Gyan into the fray and once again went into the ascendancy.

But they failed to break down the Ivorien defence, even the marching order issued to aid Ghana’s cause.

Rather, it was Ivory Coast that doubled their lead off a well taken free-kick by Tiene that beat keeper Richard Kingson to his rear post.

Deep into the second half, Didier Drogba, who had been relatively quiet in the match made the game safe with the third goal to take the wind off Ghana’s sail.

However, an added minute penalty kick afforded Gyan the opportunity to pull one goal back, which proved too little, too late.

With the victory, Ivory Coast secured a healthy four points to put them through while Ghana must now defeat Burkina Faso in the final Group B match to advance.

Group B teams are limited to only two matches because of the withdrawal of Togo from the championship.