Manchester United forward Amad Diallo’s composed strike secured a 1-0 victory for holders Ivory Coast over Mozambique in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group F opener in Marrakech on Wednesday
According to BBC Sport on Wednesday, the Elephants, aiming to become the first defending champions since Egypt in 2010 to retain the title, struggled to convert a series of first-half chances against opponents ranked 60 places below them in FIFA’s rankings.
The breakthrough came just four minutes after the restart.
Diallo capitalised on static defending to meet Franck Kessie’s knockdown with a low, precise finish that slipped between Sunderland defender Reinildo’s legs.
Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan was forced into action several times before the break, acrobatically tipping Yan Diomande’s miscued shot over the crossbar and blocking Kessie’s close-range header.
Ivory Coast had other chances to extend their lead. Ghislain Konan, set up by Diallo’s clever movement inside the box, fired wide, while Kessie’s late breakaway ended with substitute Vakoun Bayo denied by Ernan and a crucial clearance by midfielder Guima.
Both sides now prepare for their second group games on Sunday: Mozambique face Gabon in Agadir (12:30 GMT), while the Ivory Coast take on five-time champions Cameroon in Marrakech (20:00).
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