Introduction
The Ivory Coast vs Mozambique encounter at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 was one of the most anticipated matches in Group F. Fans of Ivory Coast soccer and Mozambique soccer alike tuned in as the defending champions kicked off their campaign with high expectations. In this article, we’ll break down the match, include expert Ivory Coast vs Mozambique prediction insights, and highlight standout performers such as Amad Diallo and Wilfried Zaha.
Match Overview: Ivory Coast vs Mozambique
In the Côte d’Ivoire vs Mozambique fixture held at Stade de Marrakech, Ivory Coast began their title defence in commanding fashion. Maintaining greater possession and creating the better chances, the Ivory Coast national football team eventually secured a 1–0 victory. The decisive goal came in the 49th minute, courtesy of Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, giving the Elephants all three points against determined Mozambican opposition.
Despite dominating play for long stretches, the Ivory Coast FC squad found it challenging to convert chances early on. Veteran winger Wilfried Zaha was involved in several promising attacks but failed to find the net, while midfield leader Franck Kessié supported the offensive build-up throughout.
Match Stats & Key Facts
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Final Score: Ivory Coast 1–0 Mozambique
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Goal Scorer: Amad Diallo (49’)
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Possession: Ivory Coast ~54%, Mozambique ~46%
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Shots (Total): Ivory Coast 15 – Mozambique 4
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Shots on Target: Ivory Coast 5 – Mozambique 2
The stats underline how Ivory Coast controlled much of the match but were kept at bay by a resilient Mozambican defence. Mozambique remained disciplined throughout, threatening on the counter but ultimately unable to break through.
Key Players: Who Made the Difference?
Amad Diallo – Ivory Coast’s Match-Winner
The standout performer in this Ivory Coast vs Mozambique fixture was undoubtedly Amad Diallo. The Manchester United winger not only scored the game’s only goal but also caused constant problems for the Mozambique backline with his pace and direct attacking play. It was a crucial milestone for Diallo, marking his first-ever goal in the AFCON tournament.
Wilfried Zaha – Experienced Threat
Returning to the Ivory Coast national football team after several years, Wilfried Zaha brought invaluable experience and creativity to the squad. Although he didn’t score on the night, his presence on the flank kept defenders honest and opened space for teammates.
Prediction Insights: Before the Match
Before kickoff, many experts favoured Ivory Coast to win. According to prediction analytics ahead of the clash, Ivory Coast held around 72% probability of victory and were expected to keep a clean sheet, with a 1–0 correct scoreline among the top predicted outcomes — exactly how the match unfolded.
What This Means for the Teams
Ivory Coast: A successful start as defending champions, earning three vital points in Group F and setting a positive tone for their Ivory Coast soccer campaign in AFCON 2025.
Mozambique: A tough outing but a defensively committed performance that could serve them well in upcoming group fixtures.
Conclusion
The Ivory Coast vs Mozambique match at AFCON 2025 delivered a classic defensive battle with a slim margin of victory. With Amad Diallo rising to the occasion and Wilfried Zaha bringing experience, Ivory Coast once again showcased their continental strength. For fans and bettors alike, the Ivory Coast vs Mozambique prediction proved accurate as the Elephants climbed to the top of Group F with a hard-fought win.
Whether you’re following Ivory Coast soccer or tracking Mozambique soccer progress, this match was a perfect example of tactical football and spirited competition.
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