Ivory Coast commenced their title defence with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mozambique, the Elephants made to work considerably harder than expected by opponents who refused to be overawed in Rabat on Tuesday evening.
The reigning champions dominated possession and territory throughout, creating the better chances and generally appearing the more likely victors. Yet Mozambique’s disciplined defensive organisation and tireless work-rate ensured the contest remained delicately poised until a solitary goal settled matters.
For Ivory Coast, the three points represent what matters most in tournament football. Manager Emerse Faé will appreciate that championships are built on grinding out results when not at your fluent best, and his side demonstrated the resilience required to navigate difficult moments.
The match began cautiously, both teams seemingly wary of conceding early. Ivory Coast gradually assumed control, their superior technical quality and physical presence allowing them to dictate proceedings. Mozambique sat deep, absorbing pressure whilst looking to counter-attack when opportunities arose.
Ivory Coast’s breakthrough arrived through a moment of quality that separated two evenly-matched sides. The goal was well-crafted, patience in possession eventually creating space that was exploited ruthlessly. Once ahead, the Elephants managed the game professionally, rarely allowing Mozambique sustained attacking threat.
Mozambique pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, introducing attacking substitutes and committing more players forward. The Mambas created half-chances but lacked the cutting edge required to truly trouble Ivory Coast’s defence. The Elephants’ experience showed as they navigated the final minutes without serious alarm.
The victory maintains Ivory Coast’s status as favourites in Group F. The Elephants lifted the trophy in dramatic fashion last year, their triumph in their own country representing one of the tournament’s great underdog stories despite their considerable quality.
That 2023 victory was particularly remarkable given how it unfolded. Ivory Coast struggled in the group stage, scraping through to the knockout rounds before finding their rhythm. Manager Jean-Louis Gasset was dismissed mid-tournament, with Faé taking temporary charge and guiding them to glory.
The final against Nigeria provided a fitting conclusion, Ivory Coast recovering from conceding an early goal to claim victory and spark wild celebrations across Abidjan. The triumph was Ivory Coast’s third AFCON title, adding to their successes in 1992 and 2015.
The current squad retains much of that championship-winning core, though some adjustments have been necessary. Players like Franck Kessié, Seko Fofana and Wilfried Singo bring experience from Europe’s top leagues, whilst emerging talents provide energy and dynamism.
Ivory Coast’s defensive organisation impressed against Mozambique. They maintained their shape impeccably, rarely allowing the Mambas meaningful possession in dangerous areas. When Mozambique did venture forward, Ivory Coast’s defenders dealt with threats comfortably.
The midfield controlled proceedings, dictating tempo and territory whilst providing the platform for attacking players to flourish. Ivory Coast’s ability to dominate possession without becoming predictable demonstrates their tactical maturity.
Up front, the Elephants possess genuine goal threats, though they will need to be more clinical against stronger opposition. Their finishing lacked sharpness against Mozambique, creating numerous chances without converting them into a more comfortable scoreline.
Mozambique, meanwhile, can take pride from their performance despite defeat. The Mambas competed admirably, their defensive organisation frustrating Ivory Coast for long periods. Manager Chiquinho Conde will be disappointed to leave empty-handed but encouraged by how his team performed.
Mozambique have never won an AFCON title and have generally struggled at recent tournaments. Their qualification for this edition represented an achievement, and whilst results will likely be difficult, exposure to this level of competition provides valuable experience.
The defeat leaves Mozambique facing an uphill battle to progress from Group F. Their next fixtures against Cameroon and Gabon offer opportunities to claim points, though both represent challenging assignments.
Ivory Coast now prepare for their encounter with Gabon, another fixture they will be expected to win. The Elephants’ depth and quality should see them navigate the group stage comfortably, though tournament football demands focus and respect for every opponent.
Faé has impressed since taking charge permanently after last year’s triumph. The former Ivory Coast international has brought stability and clear tactical organisation, building on the success achieved during his interim spell.
His challenge is managing expectations. Ivory Coast enter this tournament as defending champions, with all the pressure that status brings. Every match will be scrutinised, every performance analysed for signs of vulnerability.
The victory over Mozambique was professional rather than spectacular, but championships are often built on such results. Not every match can be a masterpiece; sometimes grinding out narrow victories demonstrates greater character than comfortable wins.
Ivory Coast’s supporters travelled in reasonable numbers to Rabat, though the distance from home and logistical challenges limited the atmosphere. The Elephants will hope for stronger backing as the tournament progresses and more fans make the journey to Morocco.
The match was played at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah, one of Morocco’s historic sporting venues. The stadium has hosted numerous important fixtures over the years and provides an atmospheric setting for football.
Ivory Coast’s next challenge comes against Gabon, a Central African side with quality players scattered across European leagues. The Panthers will provide stiffer opposition than Mozambique, demanding greater intensity and sharpness from the defending champions.
Match details
Ivory Coast: Fofana, Aurier, Ndicka, Bailly, Konan, Fofana, Kessié, Pépé, Gradel, Haller, Bamba
Mozambique:
Referee: El Gassim Salim (Mauritania)
