AFCON: Mozambique coach Chiquinho Conde reflects on Ivory Coast defeat

Mozambique national team coach Chiquinho Conde has blamed lack of communication for their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) defeat against Africa champions Ivory Coast in Morocco on Wednesday.

The Mambas were not able to break down the Elephants in the fixture played at at the Marrakech Stadium. The Elephants had to wait until shortly after the interval to find the breakthrough, with Amad Diallo delivering the decisive moment.

After dominating most parts of the game with Franck Kessié and Wilfried Zaha looking dangerous, Ivory Coast finally broke the deadlock four minutes into the second half when Kessié rose to meet a delivery and headed the ball into the path of Diallo, who showed composure to steer a low into the net.

Lack of communication cost us dearly

According to Conde, Mozambique knew in such a game against a top side like Ivory Coast, small details will make the difference, hence admitting their poor marking inside the box cost them dearly.

“We expected to face difficulties at the start of the match because of Côte d’Ivoire’s individual quality, and we knew that small details would make the difference,” said Conde as quoted by CAFOnline.com.

“We knew Côte d’Ivoire would start very strongly in the opening minutes, and we tried to manage the details. In some transitions, especially when the ball was switched lack of communication and marking inside the box cost us dearly.”

While Ivory Coast will prepare to face Cameroon at Stade de Marrakech on Sunday, December 28, the Mambas will return for their matchday two against Gabon on the same day at Stade Adrar.