Cote d’Ivoire vs Guinea-Bissau prediction, odds and preview

Ivory Coast take on Guinea-Bissau in the opening match of the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Saturday night.

The hosts are favourites to top Group A as they eye a third Africa Cup of Nations title, while the Djirtus will be aiming to secure knockout qualification for the first time.

The Elephants partook in the tournament qualifiers although they had already booked a place in the competition as hosts, finishing in second place and level on points with Zambia in Group H.

Meanwhile, Guinea-Bissau finished second in their qualifying series ahead of the competition in Group A, two points behind the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Jean-Louis Gasset’s team are undefeated in their last five matches ahead of this game and with their fans behind them, an impressive performance is expected of them.

However, Baciro Cande’s side have only two wins in their last five matches and will hope they can avoid defeat in their opening match against Ivory Coast.

Yet if the nature and physicality of the Africa Cup of Nations is anything to go by, the Elephants will have to put complacency aside and show their utter domination on their opponents to get the victory.

Simon Adingra and Sebastian Haller are expected to lead the line of attack for the hosts, while the Djirtus will be banging their hopes on Mama Balde for this game.

The match starts at 20:00 GMT.