The 2023 Afcon finals have been pushed again by six months – into early 2024 – to keep away from the wet season in West Africa, however the delay helped Ivory Coast finalise their preparations, with the full price of internet hosting greater than $1bn.
The Elephants, in search of their third continental triumph after wins in 1992 and 2015, needed to start their bid for glory with out first-choice striker Sebastien Haller due to harm.
However midfielder Fofana broke the impasse early on after being fed by Franck Kessie, skipping previous a few defenders and sending his highly effective right-footed strike contained in the right-hand upright.
Mama Balde spurned Guinea-Bissau’s finest probability within the first half, scuffing his effort when performed into the field, and solely a sensible save by Djoco stored the rating at 1-0 after the spectacular Fofana latched on to a cut-back from the best.
Krasso doubled the lead after exhibiting nice talent to juggle the ball after which swivelling and hooking in a left-footed shot from eight yards out within the 58th minute.
Substitute Franculino fired straight at Ivorian keeper Yahia Fofana within the last 20 minutes however the Djurtus, who’ve certified for a fourth consecutive Afcon, couldn’t rating and are nonetheless awaiting their first win on the finals.
Nigeria face Equatorial Guinea at 14:00 GMT on Sunday within the second Group A match, whereas 2021 runners-up Egypt and four-time champions Ghana may also be in motion later within the day as Group B commences.