AFCON 2025: Ahmad's lone goal gets three points for the champions
For their entry in the competition in Morocco, defending champions Côte d'Ivoire ensured the essential by beating Mozambique at the Grand Stade de Marrakech (1-0). A short but precious victory that ideally launches the Ivorians, who will however have to raise their level and show themselves more decisive during their next two outings.
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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Solemn but decisive entrance. Reigning African champion, Côte d'Ivoire starts the defense of their title in Morocco by dominating Mozambique. For their first match in Group F of the AFCON 2025, Emerse Faé’s men did not chase away all doubts among the supporters, but ensured the essential in a meeting during which they alternated between the good and the less good.
Festival of missed opportunities
Led by a stirring and inspired Yan Diomande, the Ivorians made individual differences, but without managing to find the fault nor really obtain frank outcomes. The fault lies with a well-organized Mozambican defense around Mexer and Reinildo.
Because they couldn’t get close to the goal, they were trying their luck from afar, like Guela Doué (22nd) and Amad Diallo (31st) who could not find the target. And when they finally found the frame, like Zaha from a free kick (30th) or Kessié (45th+1), it was the Mozambican goalkeeper Siluane who stood out. Enough to frustrate them after a first period during which Yahia Fofana had nothing to do in his cages.
Amad Diallo and Yahia Fofana as saviors
The Elephants showed themselves much more inspired as soon as they returned from the changing rooms. Well picked out by Kessié, Amad Diallo fires into the net to release his team (49th). Finally freed, the Elephants proved more incisive. Still in a good spot, Kessié had the ball from 2-0, but his head was stuck close to the post of a beaten Siluane (61').
Missed opportunities that could have cost the champions dearly. Because, unable to find a second goal, they exposed themselves to the impulses of Mozambicans who began to feel that they had a trick to play. And without a Yahia Fofana who made a decisive save in the very last seconds against Catamo (90th+4), the Ivorians would have seen their victory slip away.
With 3 points, the Ivorians take control of group F, pending the meeting between Cameroon and Gabon. Their two future opponents against whom they will have to show a better face, under penalty of disappointment.