Ivory Coast 2-0 Guinea-Bissau: Hosts Open Africa Cup of Nations with Comfortable Win at Stade Alassane Ouattara

Ivory Coast 2-0 Guinea-Bissau: Hosts Open Africa Cup of Nations with Comfortable Win at Stade Alassane Ouattara

Ivory Coast 2-0 Guinea-Bissau: Hosts Open Africa Cup of Nations with Comfortable Win at Stade Alassane Ouattara

Seko Fofana and Jean-Philippe Krasso secured a 2-0 victory for hosts Ivory Coast against Guinea-Bissau in the opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations at the Stade Alassane Ouattara. The Ivory Coast team, led by Jean-Louis Gasset, will face Nigeria in their next fixture, while Guinea-Bissau is set to play against Equatorial Guinea next Thursday. Before that, Nigeria will meet Equatorial Guinea on Sunday at 14:00.

Match Overview: Ivory Coast opened the Africa Cup of Nations with a comfortable win over Guinea-Bissau. Despite not always entertaining the home fans, Ivory Coast secured a victory with ease. Seko Fofana’s early goal and Jean-Philippe Krasso’s second-half strike sealed the win. Guinea-Bissau had a chance to get back into the game, but Ivory Coast’s goalkeeper, Yahia Fofana, saved Franculino Dju’s effort. The match was played in sweltering and humid conditions, impacting the players.

Goal Scorers:

• Seko Fofana (4′)
• Jean-Philippe Krasso (58′)

Key Moments:

• Fofana’s unstoppable shot gave Ivory Coast an early lead.
• Krasso’s goal, assisted by Jonathan Bamba, secured the victory.
• Guinea-Bissau had opportunities, but Ivory Coast’s defense held firm.

Player of the Match: Franck Kessie (Ivory Coast) – Kessie demonstrated energy, disrupted Guinea-Bissau’s possession, and provided a perfect setup for Seko Fofana’s chance.

Player Ratings: Ivory Coast: Y Fofana 7; Singo 6, Diomande 6, Ndicka 6, Konan 6; Kessie 8*, Sangare 6, S Fofana 7; Boga 7, Krasso 7, Bamba 6.
Guinea-Bissau: Djoco 6; Encada 6, Sangante 5, Djalo 7, Cande 7; Cassama 6, Bikel 5, Semedo 6; Rodrigues 6, Balde 6, Mane 6.

Match Highlights:

• 4′ GOAL FOR IVORY COAST! Seko Fofana’s powerful shot from the edge of the box.
• 29′ BALDE THROUGH ON GOAL! But lacks power in the shot, and Diomande half-blocks the effort.
• 35′ OFF THE BAR! Fofana almost scores a second, with Djoco tipping it onto the crossbar.
• 58′ GOAL FOR IVORY COAST! Krasso converts Bamba’s cross with a left-footed half-volley.
• 73′ GREAT CHANCE FOR GUINEA-BISSAU! Francolino’s effort saved well by Fofana.

Key Stat: Despite apparent dominance, Guinea-Bissau had as many shots as Ivory Coast but made the hosts’ goalkeeper work only once.

Standings provided by Sofascore