Defending champions Ivory Coast began their Africa Cup of Nations title defence with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mozambique in their Group F opener played in Morocco on Wednesday.
Amad Diallo’s goal shortly after the break proved decisive as the Ivorians claimed all three points despite missing several clear-cut chances that could have made the scoreline more comfortable.
The opening half was keenly contested, with Mozambique putting up disciplined resistance and limiting Ivory Coast’s attacking flow. However, the champions returned with greater urgency after the interval and were rewarded in the 49th minute when Diallo side-footed home to break the deadlock in wet conditions.
Ivory Coast then dominated proceedings but were wasteful in front of goal. Wilfried Zaha, making his first international appearance in over two years following a surprise recall to the squad, squandered multiple opportunities, while Franck Kessie saw two close-range efforts denied by an impressive Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan.
Substitute Vakoun Bayo also failed to capitalise on chances late in the game, first heading wide from close range before seeing another effort cleared off the line in the 89th minute with Ernan out of position.
Mozambique had a notable moment of history in the second half when winger Dominguez was introduced at 42 years, one month and six days, making him the oldest outfield player to feature at the tournament. Only former Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, who played at 44 in the 2017 final, has appeared at an older age.
The defeat extended Mozambique’s long wait for a first-ever Africa Cup of Nations finals victory. Since their tournament debut in 1986, they have now recorded four draws and 12 losses across six appearances.
