AFCON 2023: Hosts Ivory Coast stroll to win in opener against Guinea-Bissau
Fofana, Krasso net in 2-0 win for Elephants
The Elephants of Ivory Coast showed their might with a convincing 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in the AFCON 2023 opener at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Abidjan.
Facing the Djurtus in the first Group A match of the tournament, the hosts were keen to have a good performance in front of the 36,000+ fans that turned up to the stadium.
The Elephants needed only four minutes to open the scoring against Guinea-Bissau, and the goal came from the boot of Al Nassr midfielder Seko Fofana.
A cheap giveaway from Guinea-Bissau deep in their half fell to the feet of Franck Kessie, who played a simple pass into the feet of Fofana. The Saudi-based star drove into the box before unleashing a fierce strike into the top left corner of the goal.
Guinea-Bissau could hardly keep up as the hosts dominated, and only a combination of the fingertips of the goalkeeper and the woodwork prevented Fofana from converting another pass from Kessie.
The Elephants had to wait until the 58th minute for a second goal, but Germany-born Jean-Phillipe Krasso made their wait worthwhile. The Red Star Belgrade striker showed great technique to flick the ball twice in the box after a poor clearance before firing an acrobatic effort past the goalkeeper.
The Djurtus tried but could not find a way back, with substitute Franculino Dju coming closest to scoring for them when he forced Yahia Fofana into a good save.
Ivory Coast held on for the win and clean sheet, and have started the tournament as they wish to go on. They will face Nigeria next on Thursday in the second round of group stage matches.
