Defending champions Ivory Coast began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Mozambique in Group F, thanks to a calm second-half finish from Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, Afrosport reports.
Despite facing a Mozambique side ranked 102nd in the world, around 60 places below them, the Elephants struggled to turn their dominance into goals in the first half, missing several clear opportunities.
The breakthrough finally arrived four minutes after the interval. Franck Kessie nodded the ball into Amad’s path, and the forward showed great composure to slot a low shot through the legs of defender Reinildo and into the net, easing the pressure on coach Emerse Fae’s team.
Before the goal, Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan had been kept busy, producing a series of important saves. He tipped over Yan Diomande’s effort after a delivery from Guela Doue and later stood firm to block Kessie’s close-range header.
Late in the match, the holders pushed for a second goal. Kessie broke through on goal in stoppage time but hesitated, allowing substitute Vakoun Bayo to take over. His effort was superbly stopped by Ernan, with Guima then clearing the rebound off the line to keep Mozambique in the contest.
FULL-TIME! 🇨🇮🇲🇿
The defending champions start their campaign with a win. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | @tecnomobile pic.twitter.com/euTC5PyCHP
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 24, 2025
Attention now turns to the second round of Group F fixtures on Sunday. Mozambique will face Gabon in Agadir, while Ivory Coast are set for a high-profile clash against five-time champions Cameroon in Marrakech.
