2024-01-13 22:18:16
Ivory Coast got off to a convincing start in the African Cup of Nations (CAN) with a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in the opening match, which took place on Saturday evening in Abidjan . The Elephants, under the direction of French coach Jean-Louis Gasset, responded to the expectations of their supporters from the first minutes of the competition.
The festivities started quickly for the Ivorians, dressed in the emblematic orange, with an opening score signed by former Lens player Seko Fofana in the 4th minute. Fofana, now playing for the Saudi club Al-Nassr alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, impressed with a curling shot following resisting the marking of two opposing players.
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Despite a sterile domination therefollowing, the Ivorians consolidated their lead in the 56th minute thanks to Jean-Philippe Krasso of Red Star Belgrade, who achieved a personal feat by scoring with a cross recovery from a left pivot following a center of Jonathan Bamba.
Although the score may seem comfortable, Guinea-Bissau did not hesitate and created dangerous situations in front of the Ivorian goal, notably by Lyon striker Mama Baldé, who came off injured in the 85th minute.
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This first success, although difficult, represents a breath of fresh air for the Ivorians, eliminated in the round of 16 during the previous edition in Cameroon. Ivory Coast, favorite on home soil, is aiming for a third star following its victories in 1992 and 2015, while seeking to break the curse of the organizers who have not won the CAN since 2006.
Ahead of the next day, Ivory Coast will face Nigeria, who will begin the tournament on Sunday once morest Equatorial Guinea. The Elephants hope to erase the nightmare of the 1984 edition, also at home, which ended in an early elimination in the first round. The competition promises exciting clashes as the continental teams fight for supreme AFCON glory.
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