Ivory Coast played the majority of the game with ten men after keeper Boubacar Barry was sent-off in the 32nd minute.

Al-Arabi needed three minutes to capitalize on their numerical advantage as Syrian striker Farras Al-Khatib put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot.

Bakari Kone pulled Ivory Coast level six minutes past the hour mark.

The 2006 runners-up will open their CAN campaign against Nigeria on Monday.