Ivory Coast opens the tournament with a mandatory win against outsiders Guinea-Bissau

2024-01-14 02:10:34

Hosts Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire) opened the 34th Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding mandatory victory. Without the ailing BVB striker Sebastien Haller, the Ivorians beat the underdogs Guinea-Bissau 2-0 (1-0) at the start of the tournament in Abidjan.

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Seko Fofana (4th) delighted the 60,000 fans at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara with his early opening goal, Jean-Philippe Krasso (58th) followed up after the break. Haller, who is suffering from ankle problems, may be available for the two-time African champions in the second group game against Nigeria on Thursday.

“We feel the expectations every day, but we just have to live with it,” said the Ivorian national coach Jean-Louis Gasset immediately before the start of the tournament about the particular pressure on the home team. “My job is to turn the pressure into something positive and make sure it gives the players strength and confidence.”