In a thrilling start to their title defense, Ivory Coast emerged victorious against Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a narrow 1-0 win, thanks to a crucial goal from Manchester United's Amad Diallo.
Published on December 24, 2025, this match marked the beginning of Group F play in Morocco, where the Ivorian team demonstrated resilience despite missing numerous chances throughout the match. The pivotal moment came early in the second half when Diallo skillfully side-footed the ball into the net in the 49th minute, securing a vital three points for his team amidst challenging rainy conditions.
Although the Ivorians managed to control the game after halftime, their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities could have led to a more decisive victory. Notably, Wilfried Zaha, returning to international play after a two-year hiatus, squandered several scoring chances. Additionally, Franck Kessie saw two close-range shots expertly saved by Mozambique's goalkeeper, Ernan.
The match also featured a surprising moment when Ivorian substitute Vakoun Bayo missed an easy header right in front of the goal, sending the ball wide. As the match neared its conclusion in the 89th minute, Bayo nearly scored again but was thwarted when his shot was cleared off the line, with Ernan caught out of position.
On the other side, Mozambique made headlines by introducing 42-year-old winger Dominguez as a second-half substitute, making him the oldest outfield player in the tournament's history, just behind former Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, who played at 44 during the 2017 final.
Despite the defeat, Mozambique continues to seek their first victory at the AFCON finals since they debuted in 1986. With this being their sixth appearance, their record remains disheartening, showing four draws and twelve losses. As the tournament progresses, fans are left wondering if Mozambique will finally break their winless streak. What do you think: can they turn their fortunes around in the next matches?
