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.
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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.
Live stream: Subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Ivory Coast vs Guinea-Bissau team news
Ivory Coast XI: Y. Fofana; Singo, Diomande, N'Dicka, Konan; Kessie, I. Sangare, S. Fofana; Boga, Krasso, Bamba
Subs: Seri, Kossounou, Konate, Boly, Diakite, Gradel, Aurier, Pepe, Kouame, B. Sangare, Doumbia, Diallo
Guinea-Bissau XI: Djoco; Encada, Sangante, Djalo, Cande; Cassama, Bikel, Semedo; Rodrigues, Balde, C. Mane
Subs: J. Mendes, Dju, Nito, Dalcio, Gano, Marciano, Mendes Gomes, Mane, Nanu, Ze Turbo, Ie, H. Mendes
Ivory Coast vs Guinea-Bissau prediction
A first-day shock is not beyond the realms of possibility but Ivory Coast should have too much talent for their opponents.
Ivory Coast to win, 2-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
The teams have only met once before, when Ivory Coast produced a 4-1 win in a 2001 WAFU Nations Cup tie.
Ivory Coast vs Guinea-Bissau match odds
Ivory Coast: 1/5
Guinea-Bissau: 16/1
Draw: 9/2
