Manchester United attacker Amad Diallo settled Ivory Coast’s opening match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Marrakech, steering in the sole goal shortly after half-time to defeat Mozambique. The defending champions, hoping to become the first side since Egypt in 2010 to keep hold of the trophy, repeatedly failed to convert early opportunities against rivals ranked 102nd by FIFA.
Manchester United attacker Amad Diallo settled Ivory Coast’s opening match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Marrakech, steering in the sole goal shortly after half-time to defeat Mozambique. The defending champions, hoping to become the first side since Egypt in 2010 to keep hold of the trophy, repeatedly failed to convert early opportunities against rivals ranked 102nd by FIFA.
Diallo reacted quickest four minutes into the second period, meeting Franck Kessie’s cushioned ball and guiding a low shot beyond goalkeeper Ernan, the attempt threading through the legs of Sunderland defender Reinildo before reaching the net.
Before the interval, Ernan kept his side level with a succession of interventions. He palmed over a mis-hit attempt by Yan Diomande following a cross from Guela Doue, then blocked a close-range header from Kessie.
Ghislain Konan had earlier been set up brilliantly by Diallo’s footwork inside the area, but the left-back failed to take advantage, sending his finish comfortably wide when he appeared certain to score.
Ivory Coast should have doubled their lead in added time, with Kessie bursting clear but hesitating. Substitute Vakoun Bayo collected the loose ball, only for Ernan and midfielder Guima to combine to keep it out, the latter producing an acrobatic clearance on the goal line.
Their opponents almost punished that wastefulness in the closing moments. Geny Catamo broke into the box and forced Yahia Fofana into an excellent save, ensuring Emerse Fae’s team preserved their advantage.
Despite failing to register their maiden win at an AFCON tournament, Mozambique delivered a determined display, frustrating the holders and offering flashes of threat in transition. Coach Chiquinho Conde’s squad has a history of surprising starts, having only missed victory against Egypt at the 2023 finals via Mohamed Salah’s dramatic 97th-minute equaliser.
This result extends Ivory Coast’s run to 14 tournament openers without defeat. Head coach Emerse Fae, once a finalist as a player in 2006, guided his nation to the 2023 title after taking charge when Jean-Louis Gasset was dismissed following back-to-back group-stage losses. He could be seen reacting in disbelief at several missed chances, particularly Konan’s first-half miss.
There was also a landmark moment for Mozambique. Domingues entered the action in the second half and, at 42 years and 41 days old, became the oldest outfield participant in AFCON history. The mark for the oldest player overall remains held by Egypt’s Essam El-Hadary, who featured in the 2017 final against Cameroon at the age of 44 years and 21 days.
Next up, both teams return to action on Sunday. Mozambique meets Gabon in Agadir at 12:30 GMT, while Ivory Coast faces five-time champions Cameroon in Marrakech at 20:00.
