Amad Diallo was on target during Ivory Coast's initial Group F fixture at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as the Elephants secured a gritty 1-0 win against Mozambique at Stade de Marrakech on Wednesday.
It was end-to-end during the first five minutes of the match with both sides showcasing their attacking intent early on. Geny Catamo raced beyond his opposite markers, while Wilfried Zaha found success down the left flank.
Mozambique produced the first real chance of the match as Catamo rifled a shot straight at the goalkeeper. The Ivorians remained calm under pressure as they stroked the ball around in the middle of the park leading up to the 15th minute mark.
Amad Diallo attempted to score from a free-kick situation in the 20th minute, however, the attacker failed to direct his effort goalward. The Ivorians continued to see most of the ball midway through the first-half, while Mozambique sat back in defence.
Ivory Coast piled on the pressure and created a couple of scoring chances toward the halftime break but often fell short at the final hurdle. Nonetheless, the game ended 0-0 to the referee’s halftime whistle.
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Diallo broke the deadlock for Ivory Coast with a right-footed shot from the middle of the goal in the 49th minute following a sustained period of pressure.
---- NIGERIA ONLY ----
The Elephants remained on the front foot and looked lively in their efforts to increase their lead as the 60th minute approached. At the other end of the pitch, Mozambique battled to progress the ball up field.
Os Mambas were starved of the ball following Ivory Coast’s increase in attacking pressure with 75 minutes on the clock. The Elephants continued to find success in wide areas of the pitch, particularly through one-on-one scenarios.
With the game heading toward its climax, Ivory Coast were in full control of the tie in Marrakesh while Mozambique appeared to be stuck in second gear. Nevertheless, the Elephants kept a clean sheet and marched toward victory in their opening Group F assignment.
Ivory Coast: (0) 1 (Diallo 49’)
Mozambique: 0
Ivory Coast: Fofana, Doue, Kossounou, Ndicka, Konan, Seri (Fofana 68’), Sangare, Kessie, Diallo (Diakite 81’), Zaha (Bayo 67’), Diomande
Mozambique: Ernan, Calila (Infren 84’), Mexer, Mandava, Langa, Amade, Kambala (Pelembe 67’), Guina, Catamo, Ratifo (Bangal 67’), Witi (Gildo 67’)