ASEC Mimosas vs Korhogo Prediction: A competitive opener is expected

Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny will host the round 1 Ivory Coast Ligue 1 between ASEC Mimosas and Korhogo. The last meeting between these sides ended in a goalless draw. How will this encounter unfold?

ASEC Mimosas performed poorly the previous season compared to what we have seen in the past years. In 30 matches, ASEC Mimosas accumulated 50 points, finishing 4th. ASEC Mimosas scored 31 goals in those matches, conceding 15 in the same run. In the meantime, ASEC Mimosas' last game was against ASC Kara in the CAF Confederation Cup, and they secured a 2-0 win and qualified for the main tournament. 

Korhogo finished the previous season 10th, accumulating 40 points. In 30 matches played, Korhogo scored 31 goals while conceding 31 in the same run. However, Korhogo finished the season with three consecutive matches, defeating Lys Sassandra, SO Armee, and Sporting Gagnoa. In those matches, Korhogo scored four goals while conceding one. 

The previous meetings between these sides have ended with close contests, which could be the same. While more games have ended in draws in this fixture, ASEC Mimosas won two other games. In the meantime, Korhogo entering this season with consecutive wins should be a confidence boost for them. Yet, I believe ASEC Mimosas should win this game, looking at their winning chances and the home turf advantage. With a focus on avoiding defeat, we can expect few goals here.