Defending champions Ivory Coast kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Mozambique in their Group F opener at Marrakech on Wednesday, Bold Sports reports.
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo proved to be the difference, scoring the only goal of the game as the Elephants began their title defence on a winning note in a match they largely controlled.
Ivory Coast dominated possession from the start but found clear chances difficult to come by in a tight first half, with Mozambique frustrating Emerse Faé’s side. Despite their superiority, the champions went into the break still searching for a breakthrough.
However, the deadlock was broken just four minutes into the second half as Frank Kessié rose highest to head down a cross into the path of Amad, who struck the ball first time into the bottom corner to give Ivory Coast a deserved lead.
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Buoyed by the goal, Ivory Coast continued to press and dictate the tempo of the game, creating further openings but failing to add to their advantage. Meanwhile, Mozambique grew into the contest in the closing stages and pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but the Elephants’ defence stood firm to see out the victory.
The result sends Ivory Coast to the top of Group F and sets up a mouth-watering heavyweight clash against Cameroon in Marrakech on Sunday.
Mozambique, who showed resilience despite the defeat, will aim to get their campaign back on track when they take on Gabon at the Stade d’Agadir on the same day.
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