Hosts Ivory Coast today get the Africa Cup of Nations underway when they take on Guinea-Bissau in the tournament opener.
The two-time champions will be hoping to get their title challenge off to a good start as they look to prove a point under veteran coach Jean-Louis Gasset that they are not a faded force.
2023 AFCON Ivory Coast vs Guinea Bissau
Having failed to reach the latter stages in the last three AFCON tournaments – and after not even qualifying for the last two World Cups – Les Elephants can count on home advantage and a favourable fixture to get the ball rolling this year.
Guinea-Bissau, who are sat outside the world’s top 100 in FIFA’s rankings, are yet to win a game at AFCON ahead of what will be their fourth attempt at the group stages.
A 6-2 friendly defeat to Mali could be a foreboding sign of their campaign to come however they did pull off a surprise win over Nigeria in qualification. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, warmed up by smashing five goals past Sierra Leone.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Ivory Coast vs Guinea-Bissau is scheduled for an 8pm GMT kick-off tonight, Saturday, January 13, 2024.
The match will take place at Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
Where to watch Ivory Coast vs Guinea-Bissau
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports. In Ghana and Africa, you can watch the game on Starttimes and Supersports.
READ: All About AFCON 2023; Full Schedule, Kick-Off Times
Live stream: Subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Ivory Coast vs Guinea-Bissau team news
Former Premier League players Wilfried Zaha and Eric Bailly were both left at home by Les Elephants when their 27-man squad was selected. West Ham winger Maxwel Cornet and Manchester United youngster Amad Diallo are also not involved.
Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastian Haller will be relied upon for goals while RB Salzburg teenager Karim Konate may catch the eye up top.
A midfield trio of Franck Kessie, Seko Fofana and Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangare will be among the most experienced and talented at AFCON.
Source: https://www.standard.co.uk/