Ivory Coast vs Guinea Bissau Prediction: Les Elephants will get off their AFCON journey to a flying start

Welcome to the thirty-fourth edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Ivory Coast on the 13th of this month. The host nation will lead the way as they face off against Guinea Bissau at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Saturday. 

FIFA Ranking: 49th

Les Elephant men aim to triumph for the third time in this competition after being knocked out in the round of 16 two years ago. The Ivorians had a decent run in the qualifying round, picking up thirteen points from a combined eighteen. Jean Louis Gasset's men have been impressive over their previous five games, heading here with three wins and two stalemates. 

Ivory Coast will be looking to make a statement and stamp their authority against their opponent tomorrow. The Ivorians have a wealth of experience and quality in their squad, and we expect them to dominate this encounter.

Possible Starting Eleven (4-4-2): Y. Fofana – Singo, Diomande, Ndicka, Konan – S. Fofana, Kessie, Sangare Krasso, –Bamba, Sebastian Haller

Key Player: Sebastian Haller

FIFA Ranking: 103rd

The Djurtus head here for the fourth consecutive season in the AFCON Tournament after finishing second, just behind Nigeria in the Group A qualifying phase. They won four times, lost one, and drew a game in the entire competition. Baciro Cande men have failed to register a win in the history of this tournament and finished at the bottom of their group in the 2022 edition.

Guinea Bissau have not been bad in recent games, with four wins in their previous eight matches. 

Possible Starting Eleven (4-4-2): Djoco – Encada, Djalo, Sangante, Cande – Dalcio, Semedo, Bikel, S. Mane – C. Mane, Mama Balde

Key Player: Mama Balde

Ivory Coast will kickstart the tournament at the newly renovated Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara Stadium tomorrow, hoping to set the pace for other teams. Jean Louis Gasset will mobilize his men against a Guinea-Bissau side who are still searching for their first three points in the history of this tournament. With their gigantic home support and the quality of their squad, Ivory Coast are expected to dominate this encounter. We think they’ll get a halftime victory here for 1.71.

Guinea Bissau have in their rank some serious attacking players, and we expect them to at least get a goal here; bet on a total of over 2.5 goals for 2.03.

The host nation are expected to win in both halves for 1.68.

Good luck!