Ivory Coast easily won 2-0 against Guinea-Bissau this Saturday, January 13, in the opening match of this CAN 2024 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpé. The Ivorians start the competition in the best possible way against Djurtus, who is still hoping for his first win in a CAN.
Published on: January 13, 2024 – 11:11 p.m
3 mins
From our special correspondent in Abidjan,
In a packed stadium and an electric atmosphere, after a smooth opening ceremony that showcased Ivorian hospitality as well as that of the 23 other teams in the competition, there was only one thing left to complete the celebrations before kick-off: a victory for the Elephants.
Also read the schedule for CAN 2024
Under the eyes of the entire elite of African football, the president of CAF Patrice Motsepe and many of the continent's former greats at the top, but also worldwide since the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, made the trip, the Ivorians fulfilled the contract.
Fofana lights the first fuse
Supported by an entire country hoping for nothing less than a third continental title at home, Jean-Louis Gasset's men knew they had no margin for error. The Ivorians were therefore very motivated to make their task easier from the fourth minute of the game. It was midfielder Séko Fofana who lit the first fuse, subsequently firing a right-footed shot at the entrance to Guinea-Bissau's penalty area after a mistake when the defense restarted.
This early opening of the score could have predicted a higher score at the end of the first period, but while they maintained control of the ball, the Ivorians allowed themselves to be dragged into a false rhythm by Djurtus, who was relatively harmless and always on guard, for their first win in a can take part in the competition for the fourth time in a row. Only a new goal from Séko Fofana, this time hitting Guinea Bissau goalkeeper Ouparine Djoco's crossbar, could have increased the score before half-time.
Quiet evening for the Ivorian goalkeeper
When the Elephants returned from the dressing room, they finally found the mistake again in the 57th minute of the game. After a pass on the left, Jonathan Bamba's center found Jean-Philippe Krasso, who resisted the pressure of the Bissau-Guinean defenders and sent the ball into the net with a left-footed shot.
Apart from a goal from Guinea-Bissau striker Franculino, which was saved by Ivorian goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, who definitely had a very quiet evening, the Elephants were never really worried until the end of the game. Solid and well-organized, the Elephants have not wavered but it is difficult to draw conclusions this Saturday against a team considered the weakest in Group A. The real test will be on Thursday January 18th against Nigeria, an opponent who should be one of the favorites of a much higher quality.