CAN 2025: Ivory Coast vs Mozambique – Diallo Secures 1-0 Win

Ivory Coast will only retain the three points. Emerse Faé’s men, who are putting their title on the line in this 2025 edition of the African Football Cup of Nations, launched their competition with a short but important victory, against Mozambique (1-0). Not always inspired, the Elephants have long been harmless against a solid and diligent opponent. But they had the good idea to score a goal shortly after the start of the second half, thanks to Amad Diallo. While waiting for the shock against Cameroon on the 2nd day, Côte d’Ivoire takes the lead in Group F.

Ivory Coast did not fall into the trap of Mozambique, who has never won a CAN match in five appearances, but also did not make the trip to Marrakech as a simple expiatory victim. We could see this during the first period, poor in chances and not at an exciting pace. Reigning African champions, the Elephants started a little too timidly, so much so that we had to wait almost half an hour into the game to see a first intervention from Ernan Siluane, on a slightly missed recovery from Sinaly Diomandé (26th). Ghislain Konan, with a cross shot (34th), or even Franck Kessié, at close range (45th), also had a goal ball. But this was insufficient for a long time.

The Elephants start this CAN timidly

If Côte d’Ivoire did not really hold its ground during the first 45 minutes, it fortunately opened the scoring very quickly after returning from the locker room, probably too quickly for Mozambique to maintain the slim hope of snatching a result. The action was clear: cross from Guéla Doué for a delivery from Kessié in an area well attacked by Amad Diallo (1-0, 49th). Almost like training.

Behind, everything was logically simpler for the Ivorians and we felt the Mozambicans were no longer there at all, even if Geny Catamo gave the Elephants supporters a final thrill (90th+4).

Because we were still much closer to 2-0, whether on a header from Kessié, which everyone saw at the back of the net (62nd), on a cross from Wilfried Zaha which the same Kessié was unable to put in by throwing himself at the far post (66th) or on a triple opportunity which saw Guima save on his line, against Vakoun Issouf Bayo (90th).

Upon arrival, there is no doubt that Ivory Coast’s offensive performance was disappointing, given the expectations placed on this selection. The Elephants will have to clearly gain strength. Because not everyone will be as accommodating as Mozambique.