By Frank Kamuntu
Hosts Ivory Coast opened the Africa Cup of Nations with a comfortable victory over Guinea-Bissau.
Although not always doing enough to entertain the home fans following the opening ceremony, the Ivorians won with something to spare.
They took the lead inside four minutes when Seko Fofana crafted some room for himself on the edge of the penalty area before unleashing an unstoppable shot.
He almost grabbed a second before half time when a perfect pull-back from Franck Kessie found him in space 15 yards out but his effort was tipped onto the bar by Ouparine Djoco.
The second goal came 13 minutes after the interval through Jean-Philippe Krasso, who brought down Jonathan Bamba’s cross into his path before guiding the ball home.
Guinea-Bissau had one big chance to get back into the game but substitute Franculino Dju’s effort was saved well by Yahia Fofana.
In a match played in sweltering, humid conditions, which affected many of the players, the home players seemed satisfied with their opening efforts, though it was not a performance which will scare their next group opponents, Nigeria.
Admittedly, this was a match against opposition which never were likely to threaten Ivory Coast (bookmakers had them at 15/1 before kick off) but the impatience of the home fans was clear to hear during the match.
They seem to expect their side to win the tournament and as third favourites they are certainly a contender.
However, if they are to make the Stade Alassane Ouattara a fortress they may need their fans to be more patient when, as will happen at some stage, things do not go to plan.
They do not have a figurehead like Didier Drogba, who was given a hero’s reception by home fans before the game, and the groans from supporters could have an adverse affect on the side. This will certainly be tested in Matchday 2 on Thursday when they face Nigeria at the same venue.
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