The Africa Cup of Nations kicks off with the host nation, Ivory Coast, facing off against Guinea-Bissau in Abidjan on Saturday, January 13.
Ivory Coast will be led by Jean-Louis Gasset, both France and Paris Saint-Germain’s former assistant manager, who has been tasked with leading the Elephants to their third AFCON title in 2024.
The host side come into this match as the heavy favourites and will be looking to get their tournament off in style as they face the Djurtus, who will be eager to make a strong start to their campaign as they bid to go beyond the group stage at the AFCON for the first time.
With three of their household names — Wilfried Zaha, Eric Bailly and Nicolas Pepe — all absent, the onus is on Ivory Coast’s top talents to prove themselves heroes and help guide the hosts towards the knockout phase.
The Sporting News is following the match live and providing score updates, commentary.
MORE: Why is AFCON played in January?
Ivory Coast vs Guinea-Bissau live score
| First half | Goalscorers | |
| Ivory Coast | — | — |
| Guinea-Bissau | — | — |
Ivory Coast vs Guinea-Bissau live updates, highlights from AFCON opening game
30 mins until kickoff: Team news is in!
📋 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐗𝐈 📋
Here’s how both teams will start the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 opening game! 👇 #CIVGNB pic.twitter.com/STJri1egfN
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 13, 2024
1 hour until kickoff: It’s the first of 52 games and Guinea-Bissau are in the mood.
Guinea-Bissau energy is something else 🔥 #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | #CIVGNB pic.twitter.com/Y49yb7GWud
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 13, 2024
1 hour 30 mins until kickoff: Guinea-Bissau have never won a game at the Africa Cup of Nations, is tonight the night?
2 hours until kickoff: Nothing but high spirits ahead of the opening match. The Elephants are ready.
⚠️ Caution ⚠️
The Elephants are passing by! 😉🐘#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/Iy4cA9GXVj
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 11, 2024
Ivory Coast vs Guinea-Bissau lineups
With Ivory Coast without their household names, Wilfried Zaha, Eric Bailly and Nicolas Pepe, they will still be expected to perform at their home tournament.
And a midfield three of Franck Kessie, Seko Fofana, and Ibrahim Sangare could help them in their bid to win their third African title.
Ivory Coast starting lineup (4-3-3, left to right): Y.Fofana (GK) — Singo, Diomamde, Ndicka, Konan — Kessie, Sangaré, S.Fofana — Bogo, Bamab, Krasso.
Ivory Coast subs (12): Seri, Kossounou, Konate, Boly, Diakite, Gradel, Aurier, Pepe, Kouame, B. Sangare, Doumbia, Diallo
The Djurtus will want to tighten up defensively as they were beaten 6-2 in a friendly against Mali last week and therefore they could go to a three at the back and compact the midfield. No matter which 11 players they select to start, they’re serious underdogs in this one.
Guinea-Bissau projected starting lineup (3-5-2, left to right): Djoco (GK) — Cande, Djalo, Sangante — Encana, Semedo, Bikel, Cassama, Mane — Balde, Rodriguez.
Guinea-Bissau subs (12): J. Mendes, Dju, Nito, Dalcio, Gano, Marciano, Mendes Gomes, Mane, Nanu, Ze Turbo, Ie, H. Mendes.
How to watch Ivory Coast vs Guinea-Bissau: Live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch AFCON 2024 matches across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | beIN Sports | Fubo, beIN Sports Connect, Fanatiz |
| Canada | beIN Sports Canada |
Fubo Canada, beIN Sports Connect, Fanatiz |
| UK | Sky Sports, BBC Sport | Sky GO, Now TV, BBC iPlayer |
| Australia | beIN Sports | beIN Sports |
| India | — | FanCode |
USA: The tournament will be available on beIN Sports with streaming options on Fubo.
Canada: BeIN Sports will provide broadcast coverage with Fubo Canada on streaming duty.
UK: Selected matches will be available on Sky Sports services with streaming available via Sky GO and Now TV. BBC Sport will also be covering designated games at the tournament.
Australia: BeIN Sports will provide broadcast coverage and streaming services for the tournament.
India: Streaming service FanCode is the place to go for AFCON 2024 matches.
