First Half Frustration: Defending Champions Squander Chances Against Underdogs
Manchester United forward Amad Diallo would eventually prove the difference, but holders Ivory Coast endured a frustrating first half in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group F opener against Mozambique in Marrakech. The Elephants, aiming to become the first defending champions since Egypt in 2010 to retain the title, dominated possession but squandered a succession of opportunities against opponents ranked 60 places below them at 102nd in Fifa’s rankings. Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan was the standout performer before the break, producing an acrobatic save to tip Yan Diomande’s miscued shot from Guela Doue’s delivery over the crossbar, and later denying Franck Kessie when the midfielder directed a close-range header straight at him.
The clearest chance of the half fell to Ghislain Konan. Amad tricked his way inside the box and teed up the left-back in acres of space in front of goal, but Konan flashed his shot comfortably wide, leaving manager Emerse Fae visibly frustrated on the touchline. Despite their dominance, the reigning champions struggled to break down a resolute Mozambican defense, with the Mambas showing the same fighting spirit that saw them push Egypt close in their 2023 Afcon opener, when Mohamed Salah equalised for the Pharaohs in the 97th minute to deny them a famous win.
Amad Breaks Deadlock: Ivory Coast Holds On for Crucial Three Points
Relief arrived for Ivory Coast four minutes after the restart, courtesy of Amad’s composed finish. The Manchester United forward capitalised on static Mozambican defending to meet Franck Kessie’s knockdown, guiding a cool low shot between Sunderland defender Reinildo’s legs and into the net. The goal settled the defending champions, who came close to doubling their lead as added time loomed. Kessie broke clear but hesitated, allowing substitute Vakoun Bayo to collect the loose ball, only for Ernan to make another fine save and midfielder Guima to clear the rebound off the line with an athletic intervention.
Mozambique rarely threatened to level, though forward Geny Catamo did force Yahia Fofana into a fine stop with seconds remaining, cutting inside the box and unleashing a shot that the Ivory Coast goalkeeper did well to parry. The game also saw a moment of history for Mozambique, as 42-year-old Domingues became the oldest outfield player in Afcon history when he came on as a substitute midway through the second half, trailing only former Egypt goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary’s overall record of 44 years and 21 days, set in the 2017 final against Cameroon.
With a crucial clash against five-time champions Cameroon awaiting on Sunday (20:00 GMT in Marrakech), Ivory Coast will be relieved to secure three points and extend their unbeaten run in Afcon opening matches to 14. Mozambique, meanwhile, will turn their attention to their next group game against Gabon in Agadir , hoping to build on their resilient display against the defending champions.
