They have been by far the higher group, albeit in opposition to one of the match’s minnows.
Seko Fofana’s gorgeous early purpose set hosts Ivory Coast on the way to a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau earlier than a euphoric crowd because the Africa Cup of Nations kicked off on Saturday.
Saudi-based Fofana scored inside 4 minutes on the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium, on the northern outskirts of Ivory Coast’s financial capital Abidjan.
It was a purpose worthy of profitable nearly any sport nevertheless it was adopted by Jean-Philippe Krasso’s second-half strike because the Elephants claimed all three factors within the Group A encounter.
They have been by far the higher group, albeit in opposition to one of the match’s minnows, as they appear to take advantage of of dwelling benefit to win a 3rd AFCON crown.
One supply of disappointment for the hosts is that simply 36,858 followers attended the sport inside a 60,000-seat stadium, with tickets being bought for between 5,000 and 15,000 CFA francs ($8-25).
Those followers who have been there have been handled to a raucous opening ceremony, a riot of color and noise which featured a rendition of the match’s official music by in style Ivorian group Magic System.
There have been additionally speeches by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, African soccer boss Patrice Motsepe, and Ivory Coast’s veteran President Alassane Ouattara, who proudly declared his nation “a land of football”.
They are aiming to develop into the primary host nation to raise the trophy since Egypt beat Ivory Coast on penalties within the remaining in 2006.
That Elephants group featured the legendary Didier Drogba, who was additionally in attendance in Abidjan.
The hosts haven’t misplaced the opening match of the AFCON since Burkina Faso in 1998 and there appeared little prospect of that occuring right here as soon as Fofana had struck.
– Tireless –
The sport began a number of minutes later than the deliberate 2000 GMT kick-off following the litany of speeches, however Ivory Coast wasted little time in opposition to a Guinea-Bissau aspect showing at their fourth AFCON and who’ve nonetheless by no means gained a match on the match.
Fofana obtained a go from Franck Kessie, his fellow midfielder who additionally left Europe for Saudi Arabia forward of this season, earlier than teeing himself up for an impressive strike excessive into the top-right nook.
Ivorian coach Jean-Louis Gasset, the veteran Frenchman, named a group that includes 5 gamers based mostly in Europe’s massive 5 leagues and three who play in Saudi Arabia.
However, star striker Sebastien Haller of Borussia Dortmund was absent as he recovers from harm, so the assault was led by Krasso of Red Star Belgrade.
The foremost purpose menace within the first half got here from Fofana, tireless within the tropical warmth and humidity and who crashed one other right-foot shot off the bar from a Kessie cutback after 34 minutes.
Guinea-Bissau, Africa’s Twenty first-ranked group however who defeated Nigeria in qualifying, have been nonetheless within the sport at 1-0 however created little and conceded once more simply earlier than the hour mark.
German-born striker Krasso showcased Ivory Coast’s attacking energy in depth as he managed a ball within the field at a clumsy top together with his again to purpose, took one other contact after which volleyed low into the online to successfully finish the competition.
Three-time former champions Nigeria full Group A together with Equatorial Guinea, and so they meet at Ebimpe on Sunday forward of the opening video games in Group B between Egypt and Mozambique, and Ghana and Cape Verde.
Source link
