On Saturday, January 13, all eyes around the world will be on the National Stadium of Ivory Coast (Stade Olympique d'Ebimpé) as the host team opens the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations against Guinea-Bissau.

There is a clear favorite, precisely the team led by Jean-Louis Gasset, starting as one of the nations aspiring to the title they have conquered twice before (in 1992 and 2015).

The pressure is not on the "Djurtus" side, as they have not managed to win a single match in the three editions they have participated in the competition.

"We cannot underestimate Guinea-Bissau," stated Gasset. "In these initial games, there's always a risk that the loser gets motivated and causes an upset."

Guinea-Bissau will draw inspiration from their 1-1 draw against Gabon in the opening match of 2017, though now they aim to secure a long-awaited victory in the AFCON. "We know we can make an impact against the hosts," insisted coach Baciro Cande.

Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau share Group A with Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria, who will play a day later in a schedule that also includes matches between Egypt and Mozambique, as well as Ghana against Cape Verde.