Ivory Coast secured a decisive victory against Guinea Bissau with a 2-0 win in the opening match. The triumph marked a significant accomplishment for coach Jean Louis Gasset and his squad, setting a positive tone for their campaign on home soil.
Captain Franck Kessié, a pivotal figure for the Ivorian side, played a decisive role in the victory, orchestrating the goals that secured the win.
Seko Fofana opened the scoring early in the 4th minute, followed by Jean Phillipe Krasso extending the lead in the 58th minute against the Os Djurtus.
Facing the challenge of playing an opening match on home turf, Gasset acknowledged the psychological weight associated with such a momentous occasion.
In a post-match statement, he expressed, “The main thing was to win this match. Playing an opening match in front of your audience is not easy; you have to bring psychology.”
Despite the heightened pressure and expectations, the Elephants showcased composure and skill, ultimately claiming a well-deserved victory.
Gasset, reflecting on the team’s performance, conveyed his relief, stating, “We are relieved to have won this match. I think my players will be relieved of this burden of the first match.”
The win not only fulfills the immediate objective of securing three points but also provides Ivory Coast with a positive start to their campaign in AFCON 2023.
With the burden of the opening match behind them, the Elephants now look ahead to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the tournament, aspiring to make a lasting impact in front of their home supporters.
