AFCON2023: Ivory Coast vs Guinea Bissau match preview
By Biwah Bryan
The 34th edition of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on Saturday, January 13 with hosts Ivory Coast facing off against Guinea-Bissau in Group A at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
Ivory Coast’s history shows that they are formidable starters, boasting an unbeaten streak of 12 opening games at AFCON tournaments (W7 D5).
Furthermore, their recent form suggests that they have plenty of goal-scoring ability within their team, as evidenced by their 16 goals scored in their last three matches: a 9-0 win over Seychelles, a 2-0 win over Gambia in World Cup qualification, and a 5-1 win over Sierra Leone in a pre-AFCON friendly.
In contrast, Guinea-Bissau who will be making their 4th appearance is yet to score a goal in their last seven matches at the AFCON, setting an unfortunate record for any team in the tournament’s history.
Their final warm-up game for this tournament did see them score twice, but their defense was breached six times in a 6-2 friendly loss to Mali on 6 January.
Ivory Coast Squad
Charles Folly, Yahia Fofana, Badra Ali Sangaré, Evan Ndicka, Wilfried Singo, Ousmane Diomande, Ismaël Diallo, Sèrge Aurier, Odilon Kossounou, Ghislain Konan, Willy-Arnaud Boly, Seko Fofana, Jean Seri, Franck Kessié, Idrissa Doumbia, Ibrahim Sangaré, Lazare Amani, Max Gradel, Jérémie Boga, Simon Adingra, Oumar Diakité, Jean-Philippe Krasso, Sébastien Haller, Jonathan Bamba, Christian Kouamé, Nicolas Pépé, Karim Konaté
Coach: Jean-Louis Gasset
Guinea-Bissau Squad
Ouparine Djoco, Jonas Mendes, Fernando Embadje, Sori Mané, Marcelo Djaló, Fali Candé, Jefferson Encada, Edgar Ié, Opa Sanganté, Nanu, Prosper Mendy, Nito Gomes, Dálcio, Zidane Banjaqui, Janio Bikel, Moreto Cassamá, Mauro Rodrigues, Alfa Semedo, Famana Quizera, Carlos Mané, Mama Baldé, Marciano Sanca, Zé Turbo, Carlos Gomes, Zinho Gano, Franculino Djú
Coach: Baciro Candé
