Amad Diallo fires Ivory Coast to winning start in AFCON 2025 title defence
Defending champions Ivory Coast opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a controlled 1–0 victory over Mozambique on Wednesday night, as Manchester United winger Amad Diallo scored the decisive goal in Marrakesh.
Diallo’s strike early in the second half settled a Group F encounter that the Elephants dominated from start to finish, underlining their status as one of the tournament favourites despite stubborn resistance from opponents ranked 60 places below them in the FIFA standings.
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Ivory Coast dominate but struggle for first-half breakthrough
Ivory Coast asserted themselves immediately, monopolising possession and pinning Mozambique deep inside their own half. The first real moment of concern, however, came at the other end when 19-year-old Yan Diomande, fresh off a Bundesliga hat-trick for RB Leipzig earlier this month, went down awkwardly after a mazy dribble into the box and required medical attention.
The teenager, wearing a protective face mask, later returned to action and remained a constant threat. He came close to opening the scoring with a looping delivery that nearly dipped under the crossbar, forcing goalkeeper Ernan Siluane into a fingertip save.
Amad Diallo tested the Mozambican defence with a first-half free kick, while defender Ghislain Konan wasted a golden opportunity from close range. Captain Franck Kessie then saw a powerful header smartly saved in stoppage time, ensuring the teams went into the break level despite Ivory Coast’s dominance.
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Diallo breaks the deadlock after the restart
Rain greeted both sides at the start of the second half, but it did little to dampen Ivory Coast’s attacking intent. Just four minutes after the restart, Diallo finally found the breakthrough.
A dangerous cross was flicked into his path inside the box, and the United winger reacted quickest, firing a composed finish past Siluane to give the Elephants a deserved lead.
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The goal ended Mozambique’s disciplined resistance and allowed Ivory Coast to play with greater freedom. Kessie came close to doubling the advantage shortly after the hour mark, heading narrowly wide from another inviting delivery.
Elephants control the finish as Mozambique fall short
Despite leading by a single goal, Ivory Coast continued to push forward, limiting Mozambique to rare counter-attacking opportunities. The Mozambicans showed resilience and organisation, even introducing 42-year-old Elias “Domingues” Pelembe from the bench to make history as the second-oldest player ever to feature at an AFCON finals.
However, the equaliser never came. Ivory Coast’s defensive structure and ball control ensured a calm closing phase, allowing them to see out the victory with minimal drama.
Strong start as title defence begins
The win gives Ivory Coast a solid platform in Group F, where they will also face Cameroon and Gabon. The Elephants are aiming to become the first nation since Egypt in 2010 to successfully defend the Africa Cup of Nations title.
While the scoreline remained narrow, the performance will encourage coach and supporters alike, with Ivory Coast showing depth, control, and patience in their opening outing.
SportsLigue