CAF Africa Cup of Nations
Final Score: Ivory Coast 1 – 0 Mozambique
Amad Diallo secured a strong start for the Ivory Coast in their title defense, following their victory on home soil in February last year [Getty Images]
In their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group F opener in Marrakech, Manchester United’s Amad Diallo struck the decisive goal, leading the holders Ivory Coast to victory over Mozambique.
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The Elephants, seeking to become the first defending champions to retain the title since Egypt in 2010, missed several opportunities in the first half against a Mozambique team that ranks 102nd in FIFA’s standings, a full 60 places below them.
Amad relieved the pressure on Emerse Fae’s squad just four minutes into the second half, taking advantage of sluggish defending to connect with Franck Kessie’s header and placing a precise low shot between Reinildo’s legs for the goal.
Before halftime, Mozambique’s goalkeeper Ernan was heavily involved, making impressive saves, including tipping over Yan Diomande’s mishit shot and blocking Kessie’s close-range header.
Ghislain Konan had a prime opportunity to open the scoring when Amad set him up in front of goal, but he sent his shot wide.
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As the match approached its end, Ivory Coast nearly doubled their lead when Kessie broke away but hesitated, allowing substitute Vakoun Bayo to gather the ball, only to be thwarted by Ernan and a defensive clearance off the line.
Both teams will be back in action on Sunday for the second of their group stage matches, with Mozambique facing Gabon in Agadir (12:30 GMT) and Ivory Coast taking on five-time champions Cameroon in Marrakech (20:00).
Defending Champions Open with a Win
With a tougher match on the horizon, Ivory Coast can take comfort from securing three points against a resilient underdog, maintaining their unbeaten streak in opening matches at 14.
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Mozambique has a history of surprising results, nearly defeating Egypt in their opening match at the 2023 finals when Mohamed Salah equalized in the dying moments.
While they struggled to threaten the Ivory Coast goal, Mozambique’s team, under coach Chiquinho Conde, demonstrated resilience and occasionally posed a threat, notably through Geny Catamo’s lively runs that led to a late shot on target.
However, the Mambas were fortunate to remain in the contest, given the West Africans’ struggles in front of goal, much to Fae’s disbelief after Konan missed an easy chance.
The current coach, Fae, who was a runner-up in the 2006 finals, had previously led the team to a remarkable title win in 2023 after a coaching change during the tournament.
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A notable moment came midway through the second half when Domingues, at 42 years and 41 days old, became the oldest outfield player in the tournament’s history.
The overall record is held by former Egypt goalie Essam El-Hadary, who played at 44 years and 21 days during the 2017 final against Cameroon.