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Cote d�Ivoire on Friday fired a big warning to the other top contenders for the 2012 Africa Nations Cup after they outclassed 2004 champions Tunisia 2-0 in a warm-up game. The Elephants, for long rated the best team player-for-player in Africa, are again widely tipped to be crowned champions of the continent since their first and only victory in 1992. Inside the Zayed Sports Centre in Dubai, the Ivorians were compact and purposeful against Tunisia, who on Monday fired three unreplied goals past Sudan. Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou opened scoring a minute to half time when he blasted home from the top of the box after he was set up with a delightful through ball on the left. Kalu�s clubmate Didier Drogba doubled the Ivorian lead two minutes into the second half from the penalty spot after Tunisia skipper Karim Haggui handled the ball inside his box. Newcastle United defensive midfielder Chieck Tiote of Cote d�Ivoire was sent off late in the second half for dangerous play. Drogba created a great chance on seven minutes, but was checked fairly by skipper Haggui. The Ivorians were on the front foot throughout the first period and created chances which Kalou failed to convert before he finally made hay just before the interval. Tunisia posted a very subdued performance in the first 45 minutes as they failed to threaten the Ivorian goal. However, they stepped up a gear after they went down for the second time in the game. Cote d�Ivoire goalkeeper Boubacar Barry saved a free kick on the top of his box. Barry denied substitute Oussama Darragi twice and produced a point-blank save to keep out Ben Khalifa in the 81st minute as the North Africans continued to pile on the pressure. Russia-based striker Seydou Doumbia could have scored a third goal for the Ivorians on the stroke of full time but he was denied by a timely tackle inside the box. Cote d�Ivoire will play their final pre-Nations Cup game on Monday against fellow AFCON finalists Libya, also in Dubai.