Holders Ivory Coast beat Mozambique to open AFCON defence

Holders Ivory Coast beat Mozambique 1-0 to start their Africa Cup of Nations defence with calm control and quiet authority in Marrakech.

Emerse Fae’s side kept the ball, set the tempo and limited danger, turning steady pressure into a lead early in the second half.

The breakthrough arrived on 49 minutes when Amad Diallo reacted quickest to Franck Kessie’s knock down and guided a low finish into the bottom left corner. It was a simple moment built from patience and timing, the kind champions rely on.

Ivory Coast could have been ahead earlier. Yan Diomande had a penalty appeal waved away, while Ghislain Konan dragged a shot wide after a sharp run from Amad on the right. Kessie was then denied by a scrambling Ernan Siluane before heading another chance off target.

Vakoun Bayo later missed with a header and saw a follow up cleared by Guima in heavy rain. Mozambique pushed more men forward but Ivory Coast remained solid at the back.

The result lifts Ivory Coast clear in Group F with Cameroon and Gabon waiting next. They face Cameroon on December 28 at the Stade de Marrakech for a tougher test.