The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is poised to commence with an enthralling clash between host nation Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium on Saturday, January 13, 2024. The opening fixture will mark the initiation of AFCON 2023, featuring a gathering of 24 nations vying for continental glory.
In keeping with tradition, the host nation, Ivory Coast, will lead the charge, taking on a formidable opponent from its group.
Despite securing direct qualification as the host, Ivory Coast actively participated in the AFCON qualifiers, ensuring competitive matches akin to all participating nations.
Under the guidance of coach Jean-Louis Gasset, the Elephants secured a commendable 2nd place in Group H, amassing an equal number of points (13) as Zambia.
Guinea-Bissau, mentored by Baciro Candé, navigated through Group A, alongside Nigeria, and clinched the 2nd spot with four victories, including a notable win against Nigeria.
The opening encounter promises a fervent West African derby, with Ivory Coast aiming to secure the initial three points of AFCON in front of their home crowd.
The Elephants, eliminated in the round of 16 during the previous edition by Egypt, are determined to make a resounding start against Guinea-Bissau.
This West African showdown is anticipated to be fiercely contested, adding a layer of excitement to the tournament’s kickoff.
The clash between Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau sets the stage for a thrilling AFCON, where national pride and football prowess will be on full display.
The action-packed weekend will also witness other compelling matchups, with Nigeria facing Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, January 14, at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium.
In Group B, Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, will square off against Mozambique, while the Black Stars of Ghana will clash with the Cape Verde Blue Sharks in a doubleheader at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium.
Football enthusiasts can look forward to an electrifying start to AFCON 2023, as the continent’s footballing powerhouses converge to vie for supremacy in this prestigious tournament.
