Champions Côte D’Ivoire opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title defence with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mozambique in the opening Group E game played in Marrakech, Morocco on Wednesday (24 December).
Manchester United forward Amad Diallo scored the only goal of the game at the start of the second half, volleying in a great lay-off from captain Frank Kessie from 12 yards out.
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The Elephants dominated the first half but were frustrated by missed chances against opponents ranked 102nd in the world.
Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan produced a series of saves, denying Kessie and tipping Yan Diomande’s effort over the bar, while Ghislain Konan fired wide after good work from Amad.
The breakthrough came four minutes after the restart when Amad reacted sharply to static defending, meeting Kessie’s knockdown with a composed low finish.
Côte D’Ivoire pushed for a second late on, with Ernan and Guima combining to keep out substitute Vakoun Bayo after Kessie broke clear.
The defending champions face five-tie winners Cameroon next in Marrakech on Sunday, while Mozambique take on Gabon earlier the same day in Agadir.