By Ayomide Otitoju
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo scored the decisive goal as Ivory Coast began their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title defence with a 1-0 win over Mozambique on Wednesday in Marrakesh.
Diallo struck in the 49th minute of the Group F match, securing victory for the three-time champions against a team ranked 60 places below them in the FIFA rankings. Ivory Coast will next face Cameroon and Gabon as they aim to become the first nation since Egypt in 2010 to successfully defend the AFCON title.
Mozambique, who have drawn four and lost 12 matches since their 1986 AFCON debut, remained resolute but were unable to break through the Ivorian defence. Notably, 42-year-old winger Elias ‘Domingues’ Pelembe came off the bench for Mozambique, becoming the second-oldest player to feature at AFCON after Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary.
Ivory Coast created several early chances, with teen Yan Diomande threatening in the first half but falling awkwardly in the box, requiring medical attention. Diallo also had an early free-kick effort blocked by the defensive wall, while defender Ghislain Konan and captain Franck Kessie were denied by goalkeeper Ernan Siluane.
The breakthrough came early in the second half when Diallo capitalised on a cross that was headed into his path, finishing past Siluane. Kessie later missed a chance to extend the lead, but the Elephants controlled possession and limited Mozambique’s opportunities for an equaliser.
The victory sets a positive tone for Ivory Coast as they seek to defend their crown in Group F.
