The roar of the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan was deafening as Ivory Coast, fuelled by home crowd energy, charged to a convincing victory in their AFCON 2023 opener against Guinea-Bissau on Saturday night.
An electric opening ceremony kicked off the 2023 AFCON in thrilling style, with Ivory Coast hitting the ground running in front of their own fans.
The Elephants proved too strong for Guinea-Bissau in the Group A clash, as the host nation came away with a 2-0 win. The victory sets a strong foundation for the host nation’s quest for a third continental title, a CAF trophy that has eluded them since 2015.
Fofana’s early thunderbolt in the third minute set the tone for a dominant start, but the Elephants’ intensity dipped, leaving fans yearning for more spectacle after the dazzling opening ceremony. The halftime lead felt a little underwhelming, considering the limited opposition.
The second half saw a similar pattern, with Jean-Phillipe Krasso doubling the lead in the 58th minute, but the spark was missing. Guinea-Bissau’s lone clear chance, saved by Yahia Fofana, was a stark reminder of Ivory Coast’s defensive vulnerabilities.
The home side seemed content with their lead, failing to push for a more emphatic result. While the win ticks the box, it may not have instilled fear in their next group opponents, Nigeria. They meet the Super Eagles on Thursday in a potentially explosive clash.
TALKING POINT AS IVORY COAST WIN AFCON OPENER
The sky-high expectations of the Abidjan crowd were evident throughout the match. Their expectations are justifiable considering their team’s status as tournament favourites. They last won the AFCON nine years ago – in 2015 – and will be hoping to lift it on home soil. However, they lack a charismatic figurehead like Didier Drogba to carry the team on his shoulders.
But the real test arrives on Thursday when Nigeria visits the Stade Alassane Ouattara.
SEKO FOFANA SHINES
The Al Nassr midfield maestro emerged as the bright spot in an otherwise unconvincing display. His tireless energy in midfield disrupted Guinea-Bissau’s rhythm while his attacking runs provided a much-needed outlet. His goal and the near-goal showcased his class and leadership qualities.
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