Summary

  • Africa Cup of Nations 2023 kicks off in Ivory Coast

  • Hosts beat Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in opening game broadcast on BBC Three

  • Seko Fofana blasted the Elephants into an early lead in Group A encounter

  • Jean-Philippe Krasso hooked in to double the lead following a fine piece of skill

  • Senegal set to defend title which they won in Cameroon two years ago

  • Tournament delayed by six months to avoid rainy season in West Africa

  1. Putting on a showpublished at 19:22 Greenwich Mean Time 13 January

    Ivory Coast v Guinea-Bissau (20:00 GMT)

    A photo of the opening ceremony of Afcon 2023Image source, Getty Images
    A photo of the opening ceremony of Afcon 2023Image source, Getty Images

    The first of the artists we'll be witnessing this evening have taken to the pitch for a suitably spectacular opening ceremony.

    The Alassane Ouattara Stadium has a capacity of slightly more than 60,000 and was officially opened in 2020.

  2. All you need to know about Afconpublished at 19:18 Greenwich Mean Time 13 January

    Ivory Coast v Guinea-Bissau (20:00 GMT)

    A photo of Sadio Mane at the Afcon 2023 drawImage source, Getty Images

    There will be six initial groups, six stadiums and five host cities at Afcon 2023, which was originally scheduled for last June and July.

    The finals were pushed back to early this year to avoid the rainy season in West Africa.

    Whether you know all about the tournament or are new to it, here's our guide to the format, venues, form teams, fixtures and more this time around.

  3. A feast of football awaits at Afcon 2023published at 19:15 Greenwich Mean Time 13 January

    Ivory Coast v Guinea-Bissau (20:00 GMT)

    A photo from Afcon 2023Image source, Getty Images

    The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations - one of the most exciting events on this year's sporting calendar - kicks off in just 45 minutes' time.

    Absorbing games, crackling atmospheres and drama featuring some of the best players in the world are guaranteed as holders Senegal defend the trophy they won by beating Egypt on penalties in the 2021 final in Cameroon two years ago.

    Hosts Ivory Coast and underdogs Guinea-Bissau are about to start almost a month of action as 24 teams take to six stadiums which are either new or transformed for Afcon - and we'll have you covered every step of the way.