Hawa Cissoko marshalled the France backline to a 1-0 victory over Denmark in the opening match of the 2023 Tournoi de France at the Stade Francis Le Basser in Laval.
Viviane Asseyi came off the bench for Les Bleues late on, whilst Emma Snerle also featured as a 60th minute substitute for Denmark – her first appearance for her country since April 2022.
Cissoko started alongside skipper Wendie Renard at the heart of the back-line, with the aim of making sure that the hosts made the best possible start to their title defence, having won the previous two versions of the competition.
In a very equal first half, which saw only three chances for either side, it would be the hosts that took the lead. Experienced defensive midfielder Charlotte Bilbault opened the scoring with a strike from 25-yards out, capitalising on a mistake at the back from the Danes.
In the second half, Snerle entered the fray, but was unable to help her side create any real meaningful chances – but more minutes for the Hammers No8 as she continues her way back to full-fitness after a long time out on the treatment table.
Asseyi was given the final 13 minutes by head coach Corinne Diacre, as the French picked up their first three points of the tournament.
They will now prepare to face Uruguay in their second match of the competition, which will take place on Saturday 18 February, 8:10pm GMT.
Denmark will be hoping to pick up their first three points against current table toppers Norway, who beat Uruguay 1-0 in their opening fixture. That match will also take place on Saturday, kicking off at the earlier time of 5pm GMT.
Elsewhere, Mackenzie Arnold kept a clean sheet as Australia made a winning start to the 2023 Cup of Nations in Gosford, Sydney.
Arnold was making her first start between the posts for the Matildas since June 2022 – and was largely untroubled in a 4-0 victory over the Czech Republic.
After a stuttering first half, which saw very little action, Tony Gustavsson’s side scored four goals in the second half. Manchester City midfielder Hayley Raso scored twice in quick succession – before Sam Kerr and Claire Polkinghorne added further goals late on to round off a comfortable win.
The Matildas now prepare to face UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 quarter-finals Spain in their second match of the competition, with the game taking place on Sunday 19 February (7am GMT) at the CommBank Stadium in Sydney.
