Seko Fofana’s stunning early goal set hosts Cote d’Ivoire on the way to a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau before a euphoric crowd as the Africa Cup of Nations kicked off on Saturday January 13.
Playing in front of a packed Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara, Cote d’Ivoire started brightly and took the lead after just 4 minutes when midfielder Fofana picked up the ball 30 yards from goal, advanced to the edge of the box and then arrowed a low shot into the bottom corner.
Fofana received a pass from Franck Kessie, his fellow midfielder who also left Europe for Saudi Arabia ahead of this season, before teeing himself up for a magnificent strike high into the top-right corner.
Ivorian coach Jean-Louis Gasset, the veteran Frenchman, named a team featuring five players based in Europe’s big five leagues and three who play in Saudi Arabia.
Guinea-Bissau tried to respond but found it difficult to break down Cote d’Ivoire’s well-organized defense. The hosts looked dangerous on the counter attack with Wilfried Zaha a constant threat down the right wing.
The second goal was scored in the 55th minute when German-born striker Christian Kouame showcased Cote d’Ivoire’s attacking strength in depth as he controlled a ball in the box at an awkward height with his back to goal, took another touch and then volleyed low into the net to effectively end the contest.
It was a dream start for Cote d’Ivoire in Group A which also contains Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.
The performance and result will give the hosts belief that they can go far in this year’s tournament as they seek to add to their lone AFCON triumph in 2015.
The game got underway at 2008 GMT, several minutes later than the planned 2000 GMT kick-off following a litany of speeches.
But Cote d’Ivoire wasted little time against a Guinea-Bissau side appearing at their fourth AFCON and who have still never won a match at the tournament.
Ivorian coach Jean-Louis Gasset, the veteran Frenchman, named a team featuring five players based in Europe’s big five leagues and three who play in Saudi Arabia.
However, star striker Sebastien Haller of Borussia Dortmund was absent as he recovers from injury, so the attack was led by Krasso of Red Star Belgrade.
With its win, Cote Divoire jumps to the top of the Table with 3 points as three-time former champions Nigeria meets Equatorial Guinea on Sunday ahead of the opening games in Group B between Egypt and Mozambique, and Ghana and Cape Verde.
