Jan Versleijen's side trailed at half-time after Stephane Coulibaly opened the scoring after 18 minutes but second-half strikes to Jesse Makarounas and Dylan Tombides gave Australia all three points.

A mistake from young Liverpool defender Tom King presented a chance for the Ivory Coast, and Coulibaly took it with open arms as he blasted a left-foot rocket into the back of the net, leaving Australian goalkeeper Paul Izzo with no chance.

It was a terrific strike and the goal energised the Africans who began to dominate proceedings and possession.

But Australia held on until half-time and presented more of a threat after the break with a magnificent Makarounas goal levelling proceedings just six minutes into the second half.

After he exchanged one-touch passes with Tombides, the Perth Glory-bound Makarounas lifted the ball over Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yored Konate and into the back of the net with the inside of his foot from outside the penalty area.

It was a goal fit to win any game and Makarounas grazed the side netting from distance shortly after, before Australia grabbed the winner with 13 minutes to play.

Substitute Teeboy Russell lost the ball after an exciting run but a block from Jacob Melling opened space up for Tombides, who charged forward, before creating space by turning onto his left-foot.

Konate left space open at the near post and was beaten by the left-foot strike from the West Ham forward, with the goal sparking an enjoyable celebration as Tombides delivered a special birthday message to his mother, written on his shinguard.

Despite the goal, Ivory Coast were still very much in the match and it took a sublime reactionary save from the Adelaide United-bound Izzo to deny Drissa Diarrassouba's close-range shot, after the latter had beat several players with a mazy run.

The Africans also thought they had claims for a penalty but they were waived away by referee Raymond Bogle, as the Joeys claimed all three points despite having just over one-third of possession during the match.

Australia will face a tough test in their next Group F encounter against Brazil on Friday morning, with the South Americans topping the group after a routine 3-0 win over Denmark earlier today.