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Here is everything you need to know as hosts Ivory Coast seek to start the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in fine fashion with meeting against Guine-Bissau
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off with one of the pre-tournament favourites and host nation Ivory Coast taking on big underdogs Guinea-Bissau in Abidjan.
The Elephants face all the pressure in this curtain-raising clash and first-ever meeting between the sides, as a host nation hasn’t lost their AFCON opener since Burkina Faso way back in February 1998.
Jean-Louis Gasset’s side head into the tournament in fine form having lost just one of their last 10 matches (won six, drew three), but his players have some demons to banish, as they’ve failed to progress beyond the quarter-final stage since last lifting the trophy in 2015.
Preview
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08:00 - 13.01.2024
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That said, as the host nation hasn’t reached the AFCON final in any of the last eight iterations, and has not won the tournament since 2006, the omens are certainly against an Ivory Coast squad that boasts some serious quality.
With Group A also containing strong contenders in the form of Nigeria, very little is expected of opponents Guinea-Bissau, who are participating in their fourth consecutive AFCON finals.
The Djurtus will be desperate for a change in fortunes at this tournament, as they’ve so far failed to win a single game in the tournament proper (drawn three, lost six), failing to score in each of their last six such matches (drawn two, lost four).
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Despite the absences, they still boast big names like Franck Kessie, Seko Fofana Ibrahim Sangare and others, who should help them dominate the game.
While a first-ever progression to the knockout stages looks beyond their reach ahead of kick-off, Baciro Candé’s side will be keen to at least make an impression and continue a decent record of avoiding defeat in two of their three tournament openers (drawn two, lost one).
The early signs are worrying though, as Guinea-Bissau were routed 6-2 by Mali in a friendly last week, conceding three times without reply after half-time.
When and where to watch
The match will be live on KBC TV, SuperSport and StarTimes and will kick off at 11pm (Kenyan time).
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Team news
Ivory Coast: Simon Adingra and Sebastien Haller are doubtful heading into this one while Eric Bailly, Wilfried Zaha and Nicolas Pepe did not make the cut.
Franck Kessie, Seko Fofana and Ibrahim Sangare should still be a slid midfield, though, capable of bossing many sides at this level.
Guinea Bissau: Cande favors a 4-3-3 but often switches to three at the back against the big guns so expect that here.
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Mama Balde should lead the line while Nanu is a doubt for the Djurtus and Edgar Ie is also part of the squad after switching international allegiances from Portugal.
Predicted line-ups
Potential Ivory Coast XI: Fofana; Aurier, Diomande, Ndicka, Konan; Kessie, Fofana, Sangare; Krasso, Boga, Bamba.
Potential Guinea Bissau XI: Mendes; Cande, Mane, Djalo; Mane, Semedo, Cassama, Rodrigues, Quizera; Gano, Balde.
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