Excitement Builds in Abidjan As Ivory Coast Prepare for AFCON 2023 Opener Against Guinea Bissau

• Ivory Coast vs Guinea Bissau is gathering momentum across the streets of Abidjan
• Every nook and cranny of the city is filled with excitement ahead of AFCON 2023 opener
• The home fans are optimistic that the Elephants will defeat the Djurtus

Abidjan- Côte d’Ivoire - Excitement and tension have encapsulated the entire Abidjan ahead of the opening fixture of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations showdown between Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau.

The Elephants will have close to 28 million fans around the country behind them when they file out against the Djurtus, in what many have branded as a 'must-win' for the hosts.

Hours before kick-off of the encounter, Ivorian fans could be seen making preparations as they mobilise themselves to garner maximum support for their darling team.

Ivory Coast national team coach Jean-Louis Gasset admitted that they would be facing a strong side that recently defeated the Super Eagles. He said at the Presser, as per All Nigeria Soccer:

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"It’s a team that beat Nigeria. We just watched the last matches.

"They have a player like Mama Balde, who was at Troyes and currently at Lyon. They also have fast outside players. It's a team that likes to suffer and counter. You need technical mastery and good finishing."

Despite the words of the tactician, fans on the streets are confident that the home team will secure a maximum of three points during the encounter.

A fan, simply referred to as Bamba, told Sports Brief:

"We will win this one. Our boys are prepared and I believe winning 2-0 will just be fine for a start."

Yemi Alade set for AFCON opening ceremony

Meanwhile, Sports Brief earlier reported that Yemi Alade is set to highlight the opening ceremony of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on January 13.

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The Nigerian pop queen will entertain at least 60,000 people, luminaries and dignitaries included, before hosts Ivory Coast get the ball rolling against Guinea Bissau in a Group A clash.

Alade had already been featured in AFCON's theme song, Akwaba. She did the song alongside the Ivorian group Magic System and Egyptian singer Mohamed Ramadan.