Ivory Coast easily won 2-0 against Guinea-Bissau in the opening match of this CAN 2024 at the Alassane Ouattara stadium in Ebimpé, this Saturday January 13. The Ivorians start the competition in the best possible way against Djurtus still looking for their first victory in a CAN.
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From our special correspondent in Abidjan,
In a packed stadium and an electric atmosphere, after a smooth opening ceremony showcasing Ivorian hospitality as well as the 23 other teams in the competition, all that was missing before kick-off was a one thing to make the celebration complete: a victory for the Elephants.
Read alsoThe CAN 2024 match schedule
Under the eyes of all the elite of African football, the president of CAF Patrice Motsepe and many former glories of the continent in the lead, but also worldwide since the president of Fifa, Gianni Infantino, made the trip, the Ivorians filled 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 room for error. The Ivorians were therefore well inspired by choosing to make their task easier from the fourth minute of play. It was midfielder Séko Fofana who lit the first fuse, firing a curling shot with his right foot at the entrance to the Guinea-Bissau penalty area after an error in restarting the defense.
This early opening of the score could have predicted a heavier score at the end of the first period, but while they kept control of the ball, the Ivorians allowed themselves to be dragged into a false rhythm by Djurtus, who were relatively harmless and always looking for their first victory in a CAN for their fourth consecutive participation in the competition. Only a new strike from Séko Fofana, this time propelled onto the crossbar of Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Ouparine Djoco, could have increased the score before the break.
Quiet evening for the Ivorian goalkeeper
Returning from the locker room, the Elephants finally found the fault once again in the 57th minute of play. After an overflow on the left, Jonathan Bamba’s center found Jean-Philippe Krasso who resisted the pressure from the Bissau-Guinean defenders to send the ball into the net with a left-footed pivot shot.
Except for a strike from the Guinea-Bissau striker Franculino repelled by the Ivorian goalkeeper Yahia Fofana who definitely had a very quiet evening, the Elephants were never really worried until the end of the match. Solid and well organized, the Elephants did not tremble, but it is difficult to draw conclusions this Saturday against a team considered to be the weakest in group A. The real test will arrive on Thursday January 18 against Nigeria, an opponent who should be of significantly higher quality.
The opening match seen from a fan zone