From our special correspondent in Ivory Coast – Ivory Coast did not have to force itself to defeat Guinea-Bissau on Saturday in the opening match of CAN 2024 (2-0). The Elephants take the lead in Group A while awaiting the result of Nigeria – Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.
Published on: 01/13/2024 – 11:02 p.m.
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Ivory Coast did not succumb to pressure when launching its African Cup of Nations at home. Opposed to a weak Guinea-Bissau in group A, the Elephants won without putting themselves in danger thanks to goals from Seko Fofana and Jean-Philippe Krasso (2-0). Enough to consolidate their favorite status.
“The most beautiful CAN in history”? It is too early to judge this promise made by Côte d’Ivoire, but the opening match laid a good foundation for conquering this title. While traffic jams were one of the organization’s biggest fears, access to the stadium was relatively smooth, if we put aside the inevitable small blockages created by a crowd of tens of thousands of people going to the same venue. place.
In a full Allassane Ouattara stadium, the atmosphere is beautiful. The Ivorians give voice to each hit played over the sound system at the Ébimpé stadium. In the bays, the confidence is there: “Obviously the Elephants are going to win!” Local fans predict a defeat for Guinea-Bissau, despite the valiant resistance of the only fan of the “Djurtus” crossed.
The opening ceremony is beautiful, highlighting the country’s culture, between tradition and modernity. But the supporters are not there for that: they come for football and are quickly rewarded! Seko Fofana lights the first fuse, leaving Ouparine Djoco on the spot with a strike at the entrance to the penalty area (4th, 1-0). A smoke bomb is lit to celebrate the first goal of the competition by Elephants supporters.
However, beware of overconfidence! In the process, the Guinea-Bissau attack failed to surprise the euphoric Ivorians. Fali Candé attempts a cross from the penalty spot. Mama Baldé misses his acrobatic recovery and even calls for a foul on him (8th), in vain.
The rest of the first half? Ivory Coast delays and controls its match by letting the pace drop. The Elephants know that it wouldn’t take much to break through the “Djurtus” defense again but don’t force it. In this configuration, Krasso particularly stands out (15th, 18th, 26th, 41st) but without concluding. As for Seko Fofana, he finds the crossbar on a new praline (33rd). Guinea-Bissau still manages to create a few chances, but without worrying too much about a well-established Ivorian defense.
At half-time, Serge Aurier comes on in place of Wilfried Singo. The former Parisian full-back recovers his captain’s armband in the process. Under his leadership, Krasso, who had gained momentum throughout the match, finally found the opening by making a sombrero shot in the penalty area before striking off balance (58th, 2-0).
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Now safe, coach Jean-Louis Gasset is rotating his squad. Bamba is replaced by Pépé while Krasso gives way to Konaté. Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana proves that he did not come for nothing by making a save on a shot from Baldé (73rd).
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Apart from the two yellow cards received by N’Dicka and Sangaré, this first match will have everything of a perfect start for Ivory Coast. The Elephants will be able to quietly watch Nigeria play against Equatorial Guinea to prepare for their clash against the Super Eagles, which should be crucial for first place in Group A.
