Dominant, the Ivorian Elephants successfully entered “their” African Cup of Nations against a valiant Guinea-Bissau.
TOPS
Seko Fofana assumes his status
Highly awaited by Ivorian supporters, particularly due to his tormented history with the selection, the Al-Nassr midfielder (28 years old) struck hard this Saturday in Abidjan. His magnificent goal from the start (4th) put the Elephants on the right track, until their victory pocketed with serenity against Guinea-Bissau (2-0) for this first match of the CAN. The former captain of RC Lens, who disappeared from European radar this summer, reminded everyone of his quality of shot and his power with the ball, fond memories of the Bollaert stadium. Just technically and involved in defensive tasks, Fofana delivered a full match which bodes very good things for the rest of the competition. He even came close to a double in the first half, with another curled shot but pushed back by the crossbar.
The Ivorian attack on target
Jonathan Bamba, Jérémie Boga and Jean-Philippe Krasso were not entirely successful but their association did damage to the Guinea-Bissau defense. The two wingers, well known in Ligue 1, increased the number of races and permutations to offer opportunities to their leading striker Krasso. The latter, after two harvest situations, made the break with a superb sequence, taking advantage of the good work of Bamba on the left. The second Ivorian scorer, who compensated for Sébastien Haller’s loss, scored points in the eyes of Jean-Louis Gasset. Just like Boga and Bamba, more successful than newcomers Karim Konaté and Nicolas Pépé.
Abidjan succeeds in its first evening
In its objective of offering the “best CAN in history”, Ivory Coast and the organization of the competition did not miss the mark this evening. Quite the contrary. In addition to the victory of the host country, the opening ceremony offered the football world a successful and colorful spectacle. The 60,000 spectators at the Alassane-Ouattara Olympic stadium in Ebimpé took advantage of it before giving their voice to encourage their team, at least until the hour mark. The Ivorians will rejoice in this first evening, while waiting for a possible epic of their selection.
FLOPS
The misfortunes of Mama Baldé
A key player for Guinea-Bissau, the Olympique Lyonnais striker paradoxically succeeded in his performance. But nothing succeeded on arrival, to the great dismay of the Lycaons. Contenting himself with crumbs in attack, he came close to equalizing twice (8th, 30th). Only the last gesture failed him while his riot of energy and his speed always left a threat in the Ivorian defense. And to make matters worse, Mama Baldé did not finish the meeting, visibly affected on the muscular level. We must now hope for Guinea-Bissau that this hard blow is only a scare.
Opa Sanganté, fatal mistake
In difficulty in his duel against Jean-Philippe Krasso, the defender playing in Dunkirk committed the irreparable on the second Ivorian goal. His completely failed control of Bamba’s cross benefited his opponent, who scored a very nice goal. The Guinea-Bissau will no doubt blame himself, especially since he had a very complicated match. The mobility of the Elephants often failed him, both in depth and in the short game. Like his team, however, he did not give up and bowed with honors.
