The Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire, defeat Guinea Bissau 2goals to zero in opening match of the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, to grab 3points.
Right from the start of the game, team Ivory Coast proved she was in for business as she rapidly began pressing on Guinea Bissau.
The early pressure led to an early goal that came at the 4th minute of play following a powerful strike from Ivorian striker Fof Ana, which beat passed the goal keeper to the back of the nets.
Ivory Coast took the lead, with 1 goal up. The turning point of the game was marked. After conceding the early, the Djurtus tried had to find an equalizer in vain. The Elephants where too wild this time around, and maintained their supremacy.
Côte d’Ivoire maintained both offensive and defensive tactics which gave no room for Guinea Bissau to showcase their own skills, talkless of even getting an equalizer.
At half time, the score remained unchanged, 1 – 0 in favour of Ivory Coast. Guinea Bissau was simply aiming for a change of story in their first outing.
Fast forward into the second half, both sides brought in their substitutes which did not have a change in the play system. Côte d’Ivoire maintained her style and got a superb 2 – 0 lead at the 58th minute thanks to Jean Philippe krasso. At this point, all was done and dusted.
The Djurtus, refusing to give up and showing a fierce desire to atleast get a goal that will permit them reduce the score mark and probably find a leveler, came knocking at the goal post of team Côte d’Ivoire in vain. Their keeper stood his grounds and prevented his goals from being defiled by Guinea Bissau, till the final whistle of the match.
Côte d’Ivoire 2 – 0 Guinea Bissau.
Host nation started her campaign on the right foot, this, to the greatest satisfaction of fans, personalities, dignitaries and most especially President Alassane Ouatarra, who answered present at the opening ceremony.
Note, the next game in group A is slated for January 14th with Nigeria pitting Equatorial Guinea at 3pm.
Who amongst both teams will follow in the path of Côte d’Ivoire?
Let’s wait and see…
