AFCON begins with colourful ceremony as Côte d’Ivoire defeat Guinea-Bissau 2-0

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After a colourful opening ceremony with
Nigerian popular singer, Yemi Alade, leading Franco-Ivorian group Magic System, and Egyptian star Mohamed Ramadan performed the 2023AFCON anthem “Akwaba,” Côte d’Ivoire’s team defeated Guinea-Bissau by 2-0 in the opening game of the 2023 African Cup of Nations, AFCON.

Hosts Côte d’Ivoire registered their opening goal in the fourth minute of the match through Seko Fofana.

Jean-Philippe Krasso then scored his team’s second goal in the 58th minute of the game.

The Ivorian squad put in a strong performance throughout the game, dominating possession of the ball by a whopping 61%.

The game, which took place at the Alassane Ouattara stadium in Abidjan, marked the first game of matchday 1 of the group stage.

The tournament’s draw has placed the two teams in group A, alongside Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

Following today’s game, the host country will lock horns with Nigeria on January 18 and Equatorial Guinea on January 2022.

The ongoing AFCON marks Côte d’Ivoire’s 25th appearance at the continental tournament, the second highest number of participations after Egypt’s 26 appearances.

According to CAF, the opening match is Côte d’Ivoire’s 100th AFCON match, becoming the third team to reach the mark after Egypt and Ghana.

The West African country is keen on clinching the 2023 AFCON trophy for the third time, which they last won in 1992 and 2015.

Today’s game followed a spectacular opening ceremony of the tournament. The event featured a mesmerizing display of African culture, music, and football passion.

It included diverse performances from local dancers and singers, as well as performances from artists from across the continent.