Diallos goal hands AFCON champions Ivory Coast successful opening match
Amad Diallo, winger for Manchester United, found the net to help defending Africa Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast launch their title defence with a narrow 1-0 triumph over Mozambique during Wednesdays fixture in Marrakesh.
In a Group F clash, the three time winners asserted control throughout against a side ranked 60 spots beneath them on the global football ladder, with Diallo netting just past the 49 minute mark.
With upcoming group games against Cameroon and Gabon on the horizon, Ivory Coast seek to emulate Egypts feat from 2010 by becoming only the second nation to retain the continents top football crown.
Mozambiques loss extended their long wait for an Africa Cup of Nations success, as they have managed just four draws alongside 12 defeats since entering the competition in 1986.
Coming on as a substitute for Mozambique in the 67th minute, 42 year old winger Elias Domingues Pelembe entered the fray, placing him as the second oldest participant in tournament history behind Egypts 44 year old goalkeeper Essam El Hadary.
Young Ivorian talent Yan Diomande posed the initial danger, weaving through multiple defenders before stumbling in the penalty area at the point of release.
Early concern gripped the champions when the 19 year old, fresh off a Bundesliga treble for RB Leipzig earlier this month, landed awkwardly requiring on pitch attention from medics.
Midway through the opening period, Diallo eyed a set piece opportunity from just beyond the box, yet his effort struck the defensive barrier.
Donning a face guard, Diomande nearly forced the breakthrough moments later, delivering a high arcing delivery that appeared destined for goal until Mozambique custodian Ernan Siluane diverted it away.
Ghislain Konan, a holdover from the victorious 2024 squad, missed a prime scoring window by blasting over from near point blank range.
A superior opportunity arose for the Elephants in stoppage time before the interval, as skipper Franck Kessie nodded towards target from close quarters, only for alert Siluane to collect securely.
As play resumed post halftime, the teams encountered rain that has interrupted several Africa Cup of Nations encounters across the host nation since the event began on Sunday.
Diallo broke the stubborn and structured Mozambican backline soon into the second half, slotting home from within the area after a headed flick on directed a cross his way.
Once the game surpassed the 60 minute threshold, Kessie spurned a bid to extend the advantage, directing a header marginally astray from a wing delivery.
Unwilling to settle for their slim margin, Ivory Coast pressed forward relentlessly, effectively curtailing Mozambiques avenues to pursue a leveller.