Ivory Coast began the defence of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 title with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Mozambique, but the reigning champions were far from convincing in their opening group match.

The decisive moment arrived early in the second half when Amad Diallo, the Manchester United winger, showed sharp instincts inside the box to convert a clever knock-down from Franck Kessié. It was a moment of quality that ultimately separated the two sides.

Despite controlling possession and territory for long spells, Ivory Coast failed to extend their lead. Chances came and went, and frustration grew. Captain Franck Kessié endured a painful moment when he crashed into the post during one attacking move — a symbolic snapshot of a night where dominance did not translate into goals.

The closing stages were tense. Mozambique threatened an unlikely equaliser when Geny Catamo surged forward on a solo run, forcing Yahia Fofana into a crucial save to preserve the clean sheet.

2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Ivory Coast - Mozambique 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Diallo, 49 (1:0)

Ivory Coast: Fofana Yahia; Konan; Kossounou; Doué G.; Ndicka; Seri (Fofana S., 68); Kessié; Zaha (Bayo, 67); Sangaré I.; Diallo (Diakité, 81); Diomande Y.
Substitution: Bayo (from 67); Fofana S. (from 68); Diakité (from 81)
Bench: Kone Moh.; Lafont; Diomande O.; Zohouri; Boly; Operi; Agbadou; Gbamin; Oulaï Inao; Toure B-a; Krasso; Guessand
Yellow Cards: Diomande Y. 80

Mozambique: Siluane; Langa; Reinildo; Mexer; Diogo Calila (Nanani, 84); Amade; Guimaraes R.; Catamo; Witi J. (Gildo, 67); Ratifo
Substitution: Gildo (from 67); Nanani (from 84)
Bench: Urubal; Nené; Dove; Abdala K.; Shaquille; Domingues; Bonde; Baúque
Yellow Cards: Witi J. 35; Reinildo 55