Hosts Côte d’Ivoire cruise to an impressive 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau as the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations commenced after a colorful opening ceremony.
The Ivorian team began the encounter on a 4-3-3 formation, same as their opponents, but they ended up triumphant in front of their fans at Stade Olympique Alassane Quattarra in Abidjan.
A wonderful strike by Seko Fofana in the opening minutes of the contest set the ball rolling for the Elephants in Group A.
The Al Nassr player almost doubled his side lead moments later, but his effort was tipped onto the bar by keeper Oupaine Djoco.
The first goal spurred the hosts and they dominated the game, though, they did not create too many clear-cut chances.
The game soon ended with Côte d’Ivoire taking a slim lead into the break after a fine start.
After the restart, Jean-Philippe Krasso found the net when he acrobatically scored a second goal just before the hour mark to increase his side’s advantage.
Guinea-Bissau, though, did not let go easily. They came close to reducing the deficit in the closing stage of the match when Mama Balde reacted fast to a defensive error to find his teammate whose shot was parried away by Yahia Fofana.
Côte d’Ivoire came into the game as favourites and they made it count against Guinea-Bissau who are now winless in 10 AFCON matches.
The Ivorian national team are seeking a third continental men’s football title after successes in 1992 and 2015.
They will look to keep the momentum going when they face off against three-time winners Nigeria on January 18th at the same venue.
