The host nation, Ivory Coast, commenced their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations journey with a 2-0 triumph against Guinea-Bissau.
Seko Fofana provided an excellent beginning for the Elephants in the Group A encounter in Abidjan, scoring with a powerful shot from just inside the area in the fourth minute.
He came close to doubling the lead before halftime, but Ouparine Djoco made an impressive save, tipping the powerful effort onto the bar.
After the break, Jean-Philippe Krasso secured the second goal with a skillful hook after displaying smart control under pressure in the box.
The 2023 AFCON finals were rescheduled by six months, moving into early 2024 to avoid the rainy season in West Africa. This delay proved beneficial for Ivory Coast as it allowed them to conclude their preparations, with the total cost of hosting exceeding $1 billion.
The Elephants, aiming for their third continental triumph following victories in 1992 and 2015, had to initiate their quest for glory without the services of first-choice striker Sebastien Haller due to injury.
Midfielder Fofana opened the scoring early on, receiving a pass from Franck Kessie, maneuvering past defenders, and driving a powerful right-footed shot inside the right-hand post.
Guinea-Bissau’s Mama Balde missed a prime opportunity in the first half, mishitting his shot when positioned in the box, and a sharp save by Djoco maintained the 1-0 score after Fofana connected with a right-sided cut-back.
Krasso extended the lead by showcasing exceptional ball control, juggling the ball, and then pivoting to slot in a left-footed shot from eight yards out in the 58th minute.
Despite substitute Franculino testing Ivorian keeper Yahia Fofana in the final 20 minutes, the Djurtus, participating in their fourth consecutive AFCON, were unable to find the net and are still seeking their first win at the finals.
Nigeria is set to face Equatorial Guinea at 14:00 GMT on Sunday in the second Group A match, while Group B action commences later in the day with 2021 runners-up Egypt and four-time champions Ghana.