AFCON PREVIEW: Gasset calls for home support ahead of Afcon opener

Ivory Coast coach Jean-Louis Gasset has called on the people of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations host country to support his team for their tournament opener against Group A rivals Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on the evening of Saturday 13 January 2024. Kick-off is at 22h00 CAT.

Current form

Ivory Coast are riding the crest of a three-game winning streak heading into the tournament. Last weekend they thrashed Sierra Leone 5-1 in a warm-up friendly, while prior to that they racked up 9-0 and 2-0 wins over Seychelles and the Gambia respectively in 2026 World Cup qualifying matches in November.

Guinea-Bissau, meanwhile, have had mixed results of late, including a 6-2 defeat at the hands of Mali in a warm-up friendly last weekend. Prior to that, their two World Cup qualification matches in November produced a 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso and 1-0 win over minnows Djibouti.

Team news

Neither side has any reported injury worries heading into the opening match, and are likely to select similar starting XIs to those fielded in their warm-up matches last weekend.

What was said

“The Ivorians must be 100 per cent with us. It is for you that we will fight. We need to feel that you are with us. Supporters have an important role to play. Even in difficult moments, if we miss a goal, you have to be there even if we are dominated,” said Ivory Coast coach Jean-Louis Gasset.

“Last time [at the 2021 Afcon], I was locked in my room for 10 days. It was my first Africa Cup of Nations and I wasn't able to help the team. This time, I want to be ready and I hope the coach will call on me,” said Guinea-Bissau midfielder Alfa Semedo.

Players to watch

Ivory Coast: Jeremie Boga – The former Chelsea, Sassuolo and Atalanta winger has been in fine form for Nice this season and showed his potency in an Elephants jersey last weekend when he registered both a goal and an assist in Ivory Coast’s 5-1 friendly win over Sierra Leone.

Guinea-Bissau: Alfa Semedo – The imposing midfielder endured a frustrating 2021 Afcon due to Covid concerns and will be hungry to help Guinea-Bissau enjoy a strong tournament in Ivory Coast – starting with a strong showing against the hosts on Saturday.

Head-to-head

In head-to-head terms, Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau have met only once before: a 2001 West Africa Nations Cup match played in Bissau which was won 4-1 by the Elephants.