Amad Diallo’s clinical second-half goal secured a 1-0 win for Ivory Coast against a resilient Mozambique in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Defending champions Ivory Coast began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 1-0 victory over Mozambique in Marrakech.
Despite a significant gap in FIFA rankings, the Elephants struggled to find a breakthrough during a frustrating first half.
The Ivorian side created several clear opportunities, but a combination of poor finishing and sharp goalkeeping from Mozambique’s Ernan kept the scoreline level as the teams headed into the halftime break.
The deadlock was finally broken four minutes into the second half by Manchester United forward Amad Diallo.
Capitalizing on a knockdown from Franck Kessie, Diallo showed great composure to slot a low finish through the legs of defender Reinildo.
While Ivory Coast dominated possession and territory, they remained vulnerable to counter-attacks until Diallo’s strike provided the necessary relief for Emerse Fae’s side, who were looking to assert their dominance in Group F.
Ivory Coast nearly doubled their lead late in the game, but Vakoun Bayo’s effort was heroically cleared off the line by Guima.
Mozambique fought valiantly but failed to find a consistent rhythm to trouble the holders.
Both teams now turn their attention to Sunday’s fixtures, where Mozambique will face Gabon in Agadir, while the Elephants prepare for a high-profile showdown against five-time continental champions Cameroon in Marrakech.