The Ivory Coast began their AFCON campaign with a solid win over Guinea Bissau at the 80 thousand capacity Alasan Ouattara Olympics stadium in Abidjan.

Midfielder Sekou Fofana put the Elephants  in the lead just 4 minutes into the game after he swung in a powerful shot.

Mama Balde’s missed acrobatic could have put the score lines in stalemate as the Djurtus of Guinea Bissau who seemed to have lost combination in the first 45th minutes fought back but all chances went in vain.

It looked somehow miserable for the Djurtus who couldn’t test the Ivorian goalkeeper throughout the first half of play. 

Upon returning from a 15 minutes break both side continue looking for goals but the match was marred with too many fouls. 

The Elephants capitalised on their chances after Jean-Philippe Krasso took a touch to control it, then another one – then he swivelled. 

His left-footed kick sent the ball into the corner of the post, giving the goalkeeper absolutely no chance to stop it.

Thousands of fans and football spectators graced the opening match in Abidjan. Among the attendees included the Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, CAF and FIFA presidents.

Nigeria will take on Equatorial Guinea on Sunday in the second game of Group A. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba