Hosts Côte d’Ivoire got off to a perfect as they romped to a 2-0 victory against Guinea-Bissau in an opening game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Saturday evening.

Goals from Seko Fofana and Jeane-Philippe Krasso sealed the victory for Jean-Louis Gasset’s men.

The host were on the front foot from the opening exchanges when Fofana slotted home with just 4 minutes on the clock to put the hosts 1-0 up and score the opening goal of the tournament.

Krasso doubled the lead in the 58th minute to ensure the Elephants get maximum points in the opening game.

The Ivorians came into the game as the  favourites against a Guinea-Bissau team who have now not won any of their 10 Africa Cup of Nations matches.

But the hosts, with several players missing through injury, will be pleased to have started their campaign on a positive note in front of an expectant 60,000 crowd.

Ivory Coast play their second Group A game against Nigeria at Alassane Ouattara Stadium on January 18; kick-off 5pm.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer