From Drogba to Diallo — has Ivory Coast rebuilt their AFCON identity?

AFCON 24 December 2025 at 16:50

Khaled Hegazy

News Editor

24.12.25 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Ivory Coast

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Mozambique

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Reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast opened their AFCON 2025 campaign with hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mozambique on Wednesday in Marrakech extending impressive run of form in the competition.

A second-half strike from Manchester United winger Amad Diallo proved decisive in Group F as the Elephants secured maximum points in their opening fixture & continued their strong historical trend in tournament openers.

Amad Diallo makes the difference in Marrakech

After dominant but wasteful first half, Ivory Coast finally broke the deadlock four minute after the restart. Amad Diallo calmly side footed home in the 49 minute following well-timed assist from Franck Kessie, the Al Ahli midfielder who controlled proceedings in the centre of the park.

The goal settled the contest and allowed Ivory Coast to dictate tempo for long spells though their failure to convert further chances kept the game alive until the final whistle.

Elephants extend impressive AFCON streak

The result marked Ivory Coast’s fourth consecutive AFCON victory, their best winning run in the tournament since the 2012 edition when they finished runners-up under the leadership of Didier Drogba.

It also extended another remarkable statistic:

Ivory Coast are now unbeaten in their last 14 AFCON opening matches (9 win, 5 draw) with their last opening-day defeat dating back to January 1996 against Ghana.

For head coach Emerse Fae who guided the team to dramatic title triumph two year ago after taking charge mid-tournament, the win represents confident start to their title defence in Morocco.

Mozambique threaten late but fall short

Mozambique began brightly before retreating into defensive shape as Ivory Coast asserted control. Despite struggling for long periods, the Mambas showed renewed urgency in the closing stages and came close to equaliser, only to lack composure in the final third.

The defeat leaves Mozambique facing familiar challenge as they continue their search for first-ever qualification beyond the AFCON group stage.

Attention now turns to the second Group F fixture later tonight, with Cameroon facing Gabon in Agadir.

Should the Indomitable Lions claim victory, Sunday’s showdown between Ivory Coast & Cameroon in Marrakech would see the group’s two early leaders go head to head.

• Ivory Coast vs Cameroon: Sunday, 20:00 (GMT)
• Mozambique vs Gabon: Sunday, 00:30 GMT

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Ivory Coast

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations