2023 AFCON: Ivory Coast Defeat Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in Opening

The eagerly anticipated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations got underway at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Saturday, with hosts Ivory Coast winning the opening match.

In a tournament like this, it was hardly a show to frighten opponents, but the hosts made the vital play to secure their opening three points thanks to goals from Seko Fofana and Jean Krasso.

An early nervous defense by the Bissau-Guineans gave way to a goal scored by Fofana in the fourth minute. Fofana found space for himself on the edge of the box and fired a rocket high into the corner, leaving the keeper with no chance.

 Halfway through the first half, the hosts started to tire as Buissa attempted to settle in. However, Mama Blade blew away Bissau’s chance to tie the score when his shot lacked enough force.

In the 35th minute, Frank Kessie brilliantly picked up a loose ball in the box and laid it back for Fofana, who came close to his second, but goalkeeper Djoco was in the ideal position to tip the ball onto the crossbar with his fingers.