Defending champions Ivory Coast opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mozambique in their Group F opener on Wednesday night in Morocco.
Amad Diallo proved decisive early in the second half, scoring the only goal of the encounter in the 49th minute at the Stade de Marrakech.
The Manchester United winger showed composure inside the box, placing his effort beyond the Mozambican goalkeeper after Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessié nodded down a cross from Guela Doué.
The Elephants dominated large spells of the contest, controlling possession and dictating the tempo against a disciplined Mozambique side.
Despite their superiority, the defending champions struggled to convert several promising chances, keeping the scoreline closer than their overall performance suggested.
Mozambique defended resolutely and attempted to hit on the counter, but Ivory Coast’s backline remained largely untroubled as they protected their slim advantage until the final whistle.
The victory gives Ivory Coast a positive start as they begin the defence of their continental crown, while Mozambique will look to regroup ahead of their remaining Group F fixtures.
