Hosts Cote d’Ivoire began their title quest for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations well, with the two-time champions beating Guinea-Bissau 2-0 at Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé at the weekend.
Seko Fofana gave the Elephants a perfect start to the game inside four minutes with a powerful strike past goalkeeper Jonas Mendes and it was the early goal from the former Manchester City youth teamer that separated the two sides at the break.
Guinea-Bissau had some couple of good chances to get on the scoresheet but wasted them, while Fofana was close to getting his second of the night ten minutes before halftime but his powerful shot came off the crossbar.
In the 58th minute, Cote d’Ivoire doubled their advantage through Jean-Philippe Krasso who acrobatically fired home after good work from Jonathan Bamba.
Krasso has earned rave reviews for his brilliant goal and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reckon that it’s a very early contender for the Goal of the Tournament.
1994 Africa Cup of Nations winning striker with Nigeria, Daniel Amokachi, who was on commentary duties, has praised Krasso for his persistence and skill before finding the net.
Reacting to Cote d’Ivoire’s second goal, Amokachi said: “Bamba kept going and had a run with the ball, in between his legs, and putting that cross in.
“Like you said Jean-Philippe Krasso could have easily given up but good skills, good strength and good awareness to have a good contact on the ball.”
In their next Group A game, Cote d’Ivoire face Nigeria at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé on Thursday, January 18.
