Ivory Coast Secures Victory Over Mozambique in AFCON Opener
Manchester United forward Amad Diallo's composed strike led the Ivory Coast to a victory over Mozambique in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group F in Marrakech.
The Elephants created numerous opportunities in the first half but failed to convert, facing opponents ranked 60 places below them at 102nd in FIFA's rankings.
Amad brought relief to Emerse Fae's side just four minutes into the second half, taking advantage of poor defending to connect with Franck Kessie's knockdown. He delivered a precise low finish that slipped between the legs of Sunderland defender Reinildo.
Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan was kept busy before halftime, making an acrobatic save to tip Yan Diomande's misdirected shot over the crossbar and denying Kessie, who sent a close-range header directly at him.
Ghislain Konan missed a golden opportunity to score when Amad skillfully maneuvered inside the box and set him up in front of goal, but Konan's shot went wide.
As the match neared its conclusion, Ivory Coast nearly doubled their lead. Kessie broke free but hesitated, allowing substitute Vakoun Bayo to seize the loose ball, only to be thwarted by Ernan and a stunning clearance off the line by midfielder Guima.
Both teams will play their second group stage matches on Sunday, with Mozambique facing Gabon in Agadir at 12:30 GMT, while Ivory Coast will take on five-time champions Cameroon in Marrakech at 20:00.