Against Guinea-Bissau, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations hosts, Ivory Coast, won 2-0 to begin their campaign.
In the fourth minute of the Elephants’ match against the Abidjan Bulls in Group A, Seko Fofana scored a goal from just inside the box to give the team the ideal start.
Before the half, he came dangerously close to doubling the lead, but Ouparine Djoco put another strong effort against the crossbar.
Following the interval, Jean-Philippe Krasso scored his second goal with a deft move under pressure in the box.
FULLTIME: Ivory Coast 2-0 Guinea-Bissau. In truth, it was a dull second half with even duller commentary to endure, but the hosts won’t mind. They have a win and a clean sheet.
Afcon Ivory Coast 2023 (2024) – Single BLACKLAWTZ
To escape the West African rainy season, the 2023 Afcon finals have been moved six months ahead, into early 2024. However, this delay has allowed Ivory Coast to finalize their preparations, which will come at a cost of over $1 billion.
Due to injuries, the Elephants, who are vying for their third continental title after victories in 1992 and 2015, had to start their quest for success without their first-choice striker, Sebastien Haller.
However, after being fed by Franck Kessie, midfielder Fofana broke the deadlock early on by dribbling past a few defenders and placing his strong right-footed strike inside the right upright.
The greatest chance for Guinea-Bissau was wasted by Mama Balde, who scuffed his effort when it was sent into the box. The excellent Fofana then latched on to a cut-back from the right, and only a brilliant save by Djoco kept the score at 1-0.
In the 58th minute, Krasso increased the score with a deft juggle of the ball, a swerve, and a left-footed effort from eight yards out.
In the last 20 minutes, Franculino, the substitute, took a straight shot at Ivorian keeper Yahia Fofana, but the Djurtus, who have qualified for the Afcon for the fourth time in a row, were unable to score and are still waiting for their first-ever finals victory.