In the opening Africa Cup of Nations encounter, the Ivory Coast national team defeated Guinea-Bissau (2-0) to avoid any surprises.
Seko Fofana (4′) and Jean-Philippe Krasso (58′) goals in the competition’s grand opening, amid a joyous atmosphere, proved enough to avert a historic victory that still eludes Guinea-Bissau, a squad that has never won an AFCON match in its three participations.
After a lengthy round of remarks, the game began a few minutes later than scheduled at 2000 GMT, but Cote d’Ivoire wasted no time in defeating Guinea-Bissau, who were playing in their fourth AFCON and had yet to win a game in the competition.
Franck Kessie, a teammate who also departed Europe for Saudi Arabia before to the current campaign, found Fofana with a ball before Fofana set himself up for an incredible strike that landed high and to the top-right corner.
Ivorian coach Jean-Louis Gasset, the seasoned Frenchman, chose a team including five players based in Europe’s main five leagues and three who play in Saudi Arabia. However, due to his injury, legendary striker Sebastien Haller of Borussia Dortmund was not present, thus Krasso of Red great Belgrade led the attack.
With his constant play in the extreme heat and humidity of the tropics, Fofana was the main goal danger in the first half. After 34 minutes, a Kessie cutback saw him attempt another right-footed drive, but it struck the crossbar.
The 21st-ranked team in Africa, Guinea-Bissau, was still in the game with a 1-0 lead after having defeated Nigeria in the qualifying round. However, they did not produce much and gave up again shortly before the hour mark.
German-born striker Krasso effectively ended the game with his back to the goal by handling a ball in the area at an awkward height, taking another touch, and volleying low into the net. The way that Cote d’Ivoire demonstrated their attacking ability was outstanding.
Nigeria, the three-time past winners, and Equatorial Guinea round out Group A. Their game in Ebimpe on Sunday is scheduled before Ghana and Cape Verde and Egypt and Mozambique play their opening games in Group B.
