Manchester United forward Amad Diallo delivered a calm finish to give reigning champions Ivory Coast a 1-0 victory over Mozambique in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group F opener in Marrakech.
The Elephants aimed to become the first team since Egypt in 2010 to retain the Afcon title. They missed several chances in the first half against Mozambique, who rank 102nd in Fifa standings, 60 places below them.
Amad struck four minutes after the restart, exploiting static defending to meet Franck Kessie’s knockdown. He sent a low, precise shot between Sunderland defender Reinildo’s legs, giving goalkeeper Ernan no chance.
Ivory Coast’s first-half frustrations
Mozambique’s goalkeeper Ernan kept his team in the game before the break, tipping Yan Diomande’s miscued effort from Guela Doue’s cross over the bar. He also blocked Kessie’s close-range header. Ghislain Konan missed a clear chance after Amad’s clever dribble set him up, sending his shot wide.
Ivory Coast came close again late in the match. Kessie broke free but hesitated, allowing substitute Vakoun Bayo to gather the loose ball. Ernan denied Bayo, and midfielder Guima cleared off the line.
Both teams return to action on Sunday. Mozambique face Gabon in Agadir at 12:30 GMT, and Ivory Coast meet five-time champions Cameroon in Marrakech at 20:00.
reigning champions start with three points
Ivory Coast gained relief after overcoming spirited underdogs, extending their unbeaten streak to 14 opening Afcon matches. Mozambique have a history of surprising favorites. At the 2023 finals, they almost defeated Egypt but conceded a 97th-minute equalizer from Mohamed Salah.
The Mambas offered limited threat, but forward Geny Catamo forced Ivory Coast’s keeper Yahia Fofana into a fine save with seconds remaining. Mozambique stayed competitive mainly because the Elephants wasted clear opportunities, with Fae watching Konan miss a straightforward shot.
Fae, runner-up as a player in 2006, led Ivory Coast to the 2023 title after Jean-Louis Gasset was dismissed following two group-stage losses.
history moment for Mozambique
Midway through the second half, Domingues became the oldest outfield player in Afcon history at 42 years and 41 days when he entered as a substitute. Former Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary holds the overall record, having played at age 44 years and 21 days in the 2017 final against Cameroon.
