The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast defeated Guinea-Bissau 2-0 to start their campaign.
In the fourth minute of the Group A match in Abidjan, Seko Fofana scored a goal from just inside the area to give the Elephants the perfect start.
In the first half, Mama Balde scuffed Guinea-Bissau’s greatest opportunity as it was played into the box.
Before the break, he came dangerously close to doubling the lead, but Ouparine Djoco put another strong save, as he tipped the ball against the crossbar.
Following the interval, Jean-Philippe Krasso scored his second goal with a deft move under pressure in the box to put the game beyond the real of Guinea-Bissau.
The second Group A match between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea is scheduled for Sunday at 14:00 GMT.
Group B action gets underway later in the day and features Egypt, the runners-up from 2021, and Ghana, the four-time champions.
