The Africa Cup of Nations 2023 kicked off in style in Ivory Coast with the host nation securing a convincing win against Guinea-Bissau in the opening match.
The home side’s triumph was marked by two splendid goals, one from Seko Fofana in the 4th minute and another from Jean-Philippe Krasso in the 58th minute.
Fofana, the midfielder from Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, ignited a stunning start for his country, which is vying for its third title after victories in 1992 and 2015.
This marks Ivory Coast’s second time hosting the tournament, the first being in 1984.
For Guinea-Bissau, this defeat represents their first in attempting to progress beyond the group stage in their history, following exits in 2017, 2019, and 2021.
Seko Fofana’s Spark
In the early stages, Seko Fofana found the net in the 4th minute with a shot to the far left of the goal, capitalizing on a pass from Frank Kessie inside the penalty area.
In the 19th minute, Jeremy Bogja made a run with the ball and passed it inside to Fofana, who came close to scoring a second but failed to control it.
The game paused in the 22nd minute due to a strong collision between Jonathan Bamba of Ivory Coast and Morito Cassama of Guinea-Bissau.
Medical staff intervened to assist the two players.
In the 34th minute, Fofana had another opportunity with a powerful shot from outside the box, but it struck the crossbar.
The Elephants appealed for a penalty in the 42nd minute after forward Jean-Philippe Krasso fell, but the referee ordered the game to continue, concluding the first half with the host leading 1-0.
No Room for Hope
As the second half began, Serge Aurier replaced Wilfried Singo for Ivory Coast in the 50th minute.
In the 50th minute, Vali Khanye had Guinea-Bissau’s most dangerous chance so far, but it narrowly missed the post.
Ivory Coast swiftly sealed the deal with the second goal by Jean-Philippe Krasso in the 58th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Opa Sangante to snatch the ball inside the box and shoot to the left of the goalkeeper.
Nicholas Pepe, formerly of Arsenal, entered the fray alongside Karim Konate, replacing Jonathan Bamba and Krasso in the 61st minute.
مراوغة و”تشميسة” على الطائر تلخص هدف جان كراسو في مرمى غينيا بيساو #AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/Sos5u6tynU
— FilGoal (@FilGoal) January 13, 2024
On the other side, Carlos Mendes and Frankolino Gueda substituted for Carlos Mane and Morito Cassama in the 67th minute.
Frankolino unleashed a powerful shot inside the box in the 74th minute, but Ivory Coast’s goalkeeper Yahya Fofana made a crucial save.
In the 75th minute, Zé Turbo came on for Mauro Rodriguez for Guinea-Bissau, while Willy Boly replaced Ousmane Diomande on the other side in the 77th minute.
Dalsio Gomez substituted for Mama Baldé in Guinea-Bissau’s final change in the 85th minute, followed by Idrissa Doumbia replacing Ibrahim Sangare in Ivory Coast’s last substitution in the 91st minute.
Guinea-Bissau’s hopes continue as they face Equatorial Guinea on January 18 in the second round, while Ivory Coast engages in a heated clash against Nigeria on the same day.
