AFCON: Amad Diallo insists Ivory Coast deserved bigger margin win

Ivory Coast forward Amad Diallo believes Ivory Coast deserved more from their opening fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco on Wednesday.

The Elephants kicked off their title defence with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Mozambique at the Marrakech Stadium. The Elephants had to wait until shortly after the interval to find the breakthrough, with Diallo delivering the decisive moment in Group F.

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.

The Manchester United winger, who was named man of the match, said they deserved to win the game by a bigger margin.

Ivory Coast deserved to win by bigger margin

“I am very proud of myself. I have been waiting for this moment for a long time. Wearing my country’s jersey is an immense pride; it’s a dream come true,” Diallo told CAFOnline.com.

“We won 1-0. Honestly, I thought we deserved to win by a bigger margin, but we take this success. We will now focus on the next match, because it will be a very tough game for us.”

On his part, coach Émerse Faé, said: “We faced a good team and managed to keep a clean sheet. Once again, we saw the solidarity that has been with us for several months, as well as the players’ effort and mindset, which were already evident during our training camp in Spain.

“If there is one area we still need to improve, it is decision-making and finishing. Sometimes the cross should be played along the ground but is delivered in the air. These are the details that make the difference at this level.”

The narrow victory put Ivory Coast top of their group as they prepare for matchday two against Cameroon at Stade de Marrakech on Sunday, December 28.