Coming off the bench in Ivory Coast’s third group game with just over 20 minutes to play, his side were trailing Gabon 2-1.
Guessand equalised with just six minutes remaining, with Ivory Coast going on to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory.
The versatile forward was then rewarded with a start in the Round of 16 – a comfortable 3-0 win over Burkina Faso.
Guessand then made his second consecutive start in the quarter-final against Egypt, who progressed after a 3-2 win.
VERSATILE ATTACKER
Guessand’s breakout season with Nice in 2024/25, saw him predominantly feature on the right wing, scoring 13 goals in 33 starts.
But he has also operated in various other positions throughout his career, sometimes playing off the left, but also as the central striker.
The Ivory Coast international also has experience of playing behind the central striker.
His former assistant manager at Nice, the ex-Leicester midfielder Lilian Nalis described Guessand’s style while with the club.
“He is capable of pulling something out of the bag to make the difference. If he gets in front of you, it’s difficult for defenders to get him back.”