Hosts Ivory Coast opened the 34th edition of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé.

Seko Fofana’s early goal was the perfect start for the Elephants in front of an exciting packed house in their Group A clash in Abidjan when he struck home from just inside the area in the fourth minute.

The Al Nassr midfielder capitalised on a loose ball outside when he unleashed a superb strike beyond goalkeeper Ouparine Djoco.

Ivory Coast’s superior talent shone through in short bursts, Fofana rattling the crossbar as goalkeeper Ouparine Djoco produced a superb fingertip stop to deny a carbon copy of the first goal.

Despite a few threats from the Djurtus of Guinea Bissau – However, the hosts doubled their advantage just before the hour mark when substitute Jean-Philippe Krasso stylishly fired home from a Jonathan Bamba assist.

It was Krasso’s goal-fine finish that put the result beyond the Djurtus as Cote d’Ivoire confidently opened the tournament with a convincing victory.

Group A continues on Sunday with Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea facing off before the Super Eagles meet Ivory Coast on Thursday in arguably the most-anticipated game of the group stage.

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