World Cup:Ivory Coast brought in Gervais Kouassi up front after prolific marksman Didier Drogba was declared unfit for today's Group G encounter with Portugal.
Drogba was not ready to play after breaking his arm on June 4th and coach Sven Goran Eriksson will give the talented France-based Kouassi, better known as Gervinho, his 17th cap.
He is expected to play in a three-man attack alongside Aruna Dindane and Salomon Kalou. Kolo Toure captains the side.
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz opted for Danny on the wing in place of Simao Sabrosa amid concerns about the 30-year-old's pace after a gruelling 70-game season with Atletico Madrid.
Midfielder Pepe, who has been sidelined since late last year with a knee injury, was left out of the starting 11 for the match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.