AFCON 2025: Ivory Coast Open Title Defence With Narrow Win
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Defending Africa Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast began their 2025 AFCON campaign on a winning note, edging Mozambique 1–0 in their Group F opener on Wednesday night at the Stade Marrakesh in Morocco.
Amad Diallo proved to be the difference for the Elephants, scoring early in the second half to secure all three points in a match the holders largely dominated but struggled to put beyond doubt.
The Manchester United winger struck in the 49th minute, calmly guiding his effort into the corner after captain Franck Kessié nodded down a well-delivered cross from Guela Doué.
Ivory Coast controlled possession and dictated the tempo from the opening whistle, pinning Mozambique deep in their own half for long stretches of the encounter.
Despite their dominance, clear-cut chances were at a premium in the first half, with the Mambas’ disciplined defensive shape frustrating the defending champions.
The Elephants came closest before the break when Kessié met a set-piece with a powerful close-range header, only for Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan Siluane to produce a sharp save to keep his side level.
Mozambique, marshalled at the back by experienced defender Reinildo Mandava, showed resilience and determination to weather sustained Ivorian pressure.
After the interval, Ivory Coast raised the intensity and were rewarded almost immediately.
A slick team move down the flank ended with Doué’s cross into the box, where Kessié’s intelligent knockdown set up Diallo for a composed finish that beat Siluane and finally broke the deadlock.
Ivory Coast continued to press for a second goal to kill off the contest, but wasteful finishing kept Mozambique in the game.
Kessié again went close with another header, while substitute Vakoun Bayo narrowly missed the target from a promising position as the Elephants failed to fully capitalize on their superiority.
Mozambique offered little going forward for most of the match, with playmaker Geny Catamo and the Mambas’ attack largely neutralized by a solid Ivorian backline.
A late push from the Southern Africans failed to trouble goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, who preserved the clean sheet with a composed performance.
In the end, Ivory Coast’s single goal was enough to secure maximum points and lay down an early marker in Group F.
The champions will now turn their attention to a heavyweight clash against Cameroon on Sunday, while Mozambique will seek their first points of the tournament when they face Gabon in their next fixture.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
