AFCON 2023; Hosts Ivory Coast off to a winning start

Abidjan, 

Saturday, 13 January, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

Hosts Ivory Coast kick started their 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau in a curtain raiser match culminated by a lavish opening ceremony at the 60,000 seater Alsanne Qattara stadium on Saturday evening. 

The Elephants clearly put on a show hosting the tournament in front of home fans for the first time since 1984. 

The home boys started the match inspired with home chants leading to an opening goal in just four minutes courtesy of captain Seko Fofana. 

Fofana unleashed an unstoppable strike from the edge of the box to send the expectant crowd into wild jubilation. 

The elephants had their chances to extended their lead as Wilfried Singo directed a header over the bar before Guinea-Bissau skipper Jonas Mendes produced a stunning save to tip Fofana’s thunderbolt onto the bar.

Jean-Phillipe Krasso went down under pressure from Marcelo Djalo in the penalty area which clearly looked like a penalty for the hosts but referee Amin Omar did not believe there was enough contact to warrant a spot-kick.

Jean-Louis Gasset’s doubled their advantage shortly before the hour mark, thanks to Krasso’s clever volleyed finish.

Guinea Bissau who seemed silent throughout the match forced their first threatening attempt when Franculino Dju forced Yahia Fofana into an important stop with just 15 minutes left. 

Ultimately the final whistle meant an opening victory for the elephants who announced themselves as the tournament favourites to add onto their two AFCON trophies.

The victory also means that they have now lost just one of their previous 11 matches.