The Reds centre-back played the full match at Japoma Stadum and was tasked with protecting his side’s lead for most of it, given the Elephants went ahead after just five minutes through a goal from former Leicester City and Leeds United forward Max-Alain Gradel.
Ex-United and current Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha was one of three substitutes who came on for Ivory Coast in the 71st minute; another, Arsenal attacker Nicolas Pepe, was prevented from doubling their lead when Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga made a fine save.
The victory means Bailly and co are the early leaders in Group E, following Tuesday’s 0-0 draw between Algeria and Sierra Leone.