By Daniel Mfoniso
The host Côte d’Ivoire, sets the tone for the tournament with an outstanding 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau as the postponed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations commenced after an electrified opening ceremony at Stade Olympique, Alassane Quattarra in Abidjan.
Hoping for a third continental crown, the Elephants began the encounter on a high note with an impressive win, after previous triumphs in 1992 and 2015. On the other hand, the Djurtus seeks to advance from the group stage of the tournament for the first time after previous attempts in 2017, 2019 and 2021.
However, it took the host 4 minutes into the contest to announced their present with Seko Fofana’s wonderful strike to 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 crossbar by keeper Oupaine Djoco just before the break, all to the admiration of the 60, 000 spectators.
Despite a decent start from Guinea-Bissau, who did have their chances to made it a closer contest than some expected. But a defensive error at the 54th minutes allowed Franck Kessie to deliver a low pass to Jean-Philippe Krasso to volleyed home the second for the host team.
Though the visitors, through Mama Balde had the underdogs’ best chance in the 29th minute after the break, but his weak shot was easily saved by Yahia Fofana after Mauro Rodrigues reacted quickly to a lapse in the home defense.
Baciro Cande’s men also came close to halving the deficit with 18 minutes to go after Balde pounced on a defensive error and teed up Franculino Dju, but the substitute’s effort was well kept out by Yahia Fofana.
Dju and Junior Ze Turbo looked lively after coming on for the Djurtus with both players toiling in the humid conditions, but they were unable to put their side on the board as Côte d’Ivoire made a solid start to their title quest.
