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Despite the absences, they still boast big names like Franck Kessie, Seko Fofana Ibrahim Sangare and others, who should help them dominate the game.
Ivory Coast begin their quest for a third Africa Cup of Nations championship when they lock horns with Guinea-Bissau in the tournament's opening game at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan on, Saturday.
However, the Elephants will have to make do without three of their biggest stars in wingers Wilfried Zaha and Nicolas Pepe, as well as defender Eric Bailly, who are not part of the Ivory Coast group.
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Meanwhile, Brighton attacker Simon Adingra and Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller are doubts and may not start for Cote D'Ivoire in their first game.
Despite the absences, they still boast big names like Franck Kessie, Seko Fofana Ibrahim Sangare and others, who should help them dominate the game.
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17:28 - 12.01.2024
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It should be noted that Ivory Coast have managed to progress from the group stages in eight of the previous nine editions.
In a practice game last weekend, Ivory Coast thrashed Sierra Leone 5-1, to boost their confidence headed into the opener.
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12:09 - 12.01.2024
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On the other hand, Guinea-Bissau seeks to progress from the group stage for the first time in their fourth appearance at the AFCON.
They also aim to win their first game at the AFCON finals history, as they have not managed any in the nine games played in 2017, 2019 and 2021.
Guinea-Bissau sit 54 places below the Ivory Coast in FIFA's rankings heading into the competition.
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While Ivory Coast sit 49th globally, Guinea-Bissau lie 103rd in the current rankings, representing a massive gap in terms of quality, form and history.
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