Ivory Coast vs Mozambique live: Afcon 2025 updates

That was just what Ivory Coast needed to start the defense of their AFCON title. They would like to miss fewer chances in future matches but three points is three points. did a good job

And that’s all! Not always pretty, but Ivory Coast have made a winning start to their AFCON title defence.

A good performance from man untied man Amad Diallo at the start of the second half was enough. The Elephants were by far the better team and should have scored more, but they missed some great chances, especially through Kessie and Bayo.

Mozambique were hard-working but did not have enough quality to overcome their opponents, so it is Ivory Coast who have taken a big step towards the last 16.

That was Mozambique’s chance! Space suddenly opens up for star man Catamo, he strides forward, slips past one man, then another, tries to find space in the box and whips a shot through the body but Fofana is well down to save.

that must have been a target

Four minutes into injury time. Could Mozambique create something spectacular? Ivory Coast have 11 people behind the ball.

Complete massacre! First, Mozambique appealed for a penalty as Mexer tangled with Sangaré in the box. Will not do.

Ivory Coast break and Kessie clears but is torn in two minds whether he should shoot or try to pass and as Ernani comes out fast the half passes back to Bayo.

Ernani dived on the edge of the box to save Bio’s first-time shot well, it came back to the Ivorian striker and he fired the ball towards the bottom corner, but Guima did brilliantly as an emergency goalkeeper, leaping with his foot and deflecting the ball wide. A great leg rescue!

Mozambique then saved the corner. Very good!

Conditions have been very bad in this second half due to heavy rain. The players have performed very well.

Five minutes left in injury time

Another Ivory Coast sub when they try to see it. Goalscorer Diallo is clapped off and in comes Cercle Brugge’s Omar Diakite.

Better than Mozambique. They go forward, Katamo drives into the box and his shot is blocked for a corner, which is well defended by Ivory Coast.

Catamo, who plays for Sporting, is Mozambique’s star man and certainly looks to be their most dangerous outlet.

Diomande received Ivory Coast’s first yellow card when he collided with the back of Calella

How is it still 1-0?! The latest Ivory Coast miss saw Kessie whip home a brilliant cross and an unmarked Bayo brought the ball down but headed wide of the right post. Must score – the No. 9, just as a sub, will be annoyed by that.

Mozambique aren’t really offering anything going forward, but as long as it’s 1-0, they have a chance.

Subscriptions abound here. For Ivory Coast, Seko Fofana and Vakoun Bayo are replacing Seri and Zaha.

Meanwhile, Mozambique sent on Gildo Vilanculos and Faisal Bangal for Vitti and Ratifo. They also bring Dominguez to Kambala and Dominguez becomes the second oldest player in Afcon history at the age of 42.

He made his Mozambique debut in 2004, before some of the players on the field, such as Yann Diomande, were even born…