The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast got off to a winning start by defeating Group A rivals Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in the tournament opener at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Saturday night. The Elephants bossed the game from start to finish and scored their goals via Seko Fofana and Jean-Philippe Krasso, with the three points taking them to the top of their log ahead of Group A’s second match between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea on Sunday afternoon. Ivory Coast got off to a dream start, claiming the lead in the fourth minute via Seko Fofana, who received a pass from Jean-Philippe Krasso on the edge of the box, held off the challenge of two defenders and fired a right-footed drive beyond the reach of Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Ouparine Djoco. Fofana almost made it 2-0 with a very similar effort in the 35th minute, but this time his shot was tipped onto the woodwork by Djoco, as the hosts looked to capitalise on their dominance and take full control of the game. The Elephants had to wait until the 58th minute to double their advantage, as their first genuinely threatening attack of the second half saw Jonathan Bamba whip in a cross from the left, and Krasso did well to persist in winning the bobbling ball and ultimately finished with an acrobatic left-footed volley for 2-0. On 74 minutes the Djurtus created a chance to get back in the game, with substitute Franculino put through on goal down the left of the penalty area, but his shot was well saved by Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. The wonderfully-named Ze Turbo also had a half-chance for Guinea-Bissau in the 86th minute, but he was unable to keep his header down and cause some nerves for the hosts, who were able to see out the game for a comfortable 2-0 triumph. The teams will return to Group A action on Thursday 18 January, with Guinea-Bissau facing Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast taking on Nigeria – both at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
