Percy Tau has made a losing start with South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The versatile Albion attacker had few opportunities to shine in a 1-0 defeat by Ivory Coast in 36 degrees heat in Cairo.
Aston Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia slotted the only goal in the second half.
Ivory Coast have a strong squad and Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha was only introduced late-on from the bench.
Their starting line-up, as well as Kodjia, included Spurs defender Serge Aurier and Fulham midfielder Jean Michael Seri.
Tau delivered some threatening set pieces but was generally kept quiet by Ivory Coast's muscular defence.
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