The only goal by the Manchester United forward was enough for Ivory Coast to successfully defend their AFCON title.
Published December 24, 2025
Holders Ivory Coast squandered a number of chances, but Amad Diallo’s goal early in the second half beat Mozambique 1-0, giving them a winning start to their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) title defense.
In their Group F opener in Morocco on Wednesday, the Ivorians struggled to break through in a competitive first half, but firmly took control after the break and were unable to capitalize on the many chances they created.
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Diallo side-footed the ball into the net in the 49th minute, ensuring three points in the rain, but the scoreline could have been more emphatic had the Ivorian attack in front of goal been sharper.
Wilfried Zaha, playing for his country for the first time in more than two years since his sudden recall in the Nations Cup final, squandered several chances and Franck Kessie had two close-range shots saved by Mozambican goalkeeper Hernan.
Ivory Coast substitute Vakun Bayot also had an easy chance to head a shot in front of goal, but it somehow went wide, and in the 89th minute, Bayot’s shot was cleared on the goal line and Hernán found it on target.
Mozambique introduced winger Dominguez as a substitute in the second half at the age of 42 years, 1 month and 6 days, making him the oldest outfield player in the tournament’s history after former Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, who was 44 when he played in the 2017 final.
Mozambique have yet to win a match in the final since their first appearance in the tournament in 1986. This is his 6th appearance, and he has a record of 4 draws and 12 losses.
