Ivory Coast midfielder Kanga Akale has demanded an improvement in front of goal after the Elephants' 2-1 defeat to Argentina in their World Cup opener.

The West Africans had a number of chances to draw level in the first half following Hernan Crespo's opener.

The best chance fell to fellow midfielder Kader Keita, but moments later Javier Saviola scored the goal that proved to be the match winner.

"We had several good chances in just a few minutes of play," Akale told Kicker.

"Then just as we looked like we were going to make it pay, Argentina went and made it 2-0.

"That must not happen any more in subsequent matches."

Akale and his team-mates will be hoping to make amends in their second Group C game against Holland on Friday.