AFCON: Defending champions Ivory Coast begin with victory

Amad Diallo’s composed finish early in the second half handed defending Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions Ivory Coast a 1-0 victory over Mozambique to kick off action in Group F at the 2025 edition in Morocco.

🎥 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇨🇮 1-0 🇲🇿

The Elephants begin their title-defending campaign in the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 with a win. pic.twitter.com/5qk2CIPq8L

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 24, 2025

The Manchester United winger placed his shot perfectly in the 49th minute after captain Franck Kessié nodded down a Guela Doué cross. It was a dominant performance from the Elephants even if their finishing was lacking on Wednesday evening at the Stade Marrakesh.

An overmatched Mozambique side managed to stay in the match thanks to a rugged defensive performance led by Reinildo Mandava. However, star playmaker Geny Catamo and the Mambas attack posed little threat to a strong Ivorian defense that maintained their clean sheet after a late push from the underdogs.

The Southern Africa representatives surived an onslaught of attacks from the holders in the first half, who came closest to opening the scoring when a close range header from Kessié was well handled by Mambas goalkeeper Ernan Siluane.

But the Elephants continued to apply heavy pressure after halftime and Diallo’s finish was excellent from a well-executed team movement. Kessié and substitute forward Vakoun Bayo both narrowly missed from headers as the Ivorians struggled to put themselves beyond reach.

In the end, Mozambique failed to create a late opportunity to trouble Elephants goalkeeper Yahia Fofana and the 2023 champions held on to claim three points. Ivory Coast next face Cameroon on Sunday while Mozambique will look for their first points against Gabon in Group F.