Rabat, Morocco – Côte d’Ivoire began their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 title defence with a narrow 1 nil victory over Mozambique on Wednesday night at the Marrakech Stadium, as Amad Diallo scored the decisive goal in Group F.
The match, played on 24 December, saw the defending champions control possession from the opening whistle but struggle to break down a disciplined Mozambique side. Franck Kessié and Wilfried Zaha carried much of the attacking responsibility, with Kessié forcing a save from a first half header and Ghislain Konan narrowly missing the target.
Mozambique, organised and compact, remained dangerous on the counter and looked to Geny Catamo for attacking transitions, but chances were limited at both ends before the break. 
The breakthrough arrived four minutes after the restart when Kessié headed a cross into the path of Diallo, who calmly guided a low finish beyond the goalkeeper. The goal settled the Ivorians, who managed the game effectively without adding to their lead. Vakoun Bayo went close, while Yahia Fofana was rarely troubled in the Côte d’Ivoire goal.
The result places Côte d’Ivoire top of Group F after the opening round. Mozambique leave encouraged by their defensive display but are still searching for a first win at the finals.
Diallo said scoring for his country was a dream realised, adding that while the team felt they could have won by more, attention now shifts to a tougher next fixture. Mozambique coach Chiquinho Conde pointed to lapses in communication during key moments, while Côte d’Ivoire coach Émerse Faé praised his team’s unity and clean sheet, noting that decision making in the final third remains an area to refine.
Elsewhere on Wednesday, Algeria made a strong start to their Group E campaign with a convincing 3 nil victory over Sudan at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat. Riyad Mahrez struck twice, opening the scoring after just two minutes following a pass from Hicham Boudaoui, before doubling the lead in the 61st minute after a move involving Mohamed Amine Amoura. Substitute Ibrahim Maza added a third late on.
Sudan’s task became harder when Salah El Din Adel was sent off in the 39th minute for a second yellow card. Algeria now sit top of Group E alongside Burkina Faso. Mahrez, named Man of the Match, credited the team’s collective strength, while Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah acknowledged the quality of the opposition.
At the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Burkina Faso produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat Equatorial Guinea 2 1 in a match that swung wildly in stoppage time. After an even first half, Equatorial Guinea were reduced to ten men early in the second period when Basilo Ndung received a straight red card.
Burkina Faso thought they had taken the lead through Lassina Traoré in the 71st minute, only for VAR to rule out the goal. Against the run of play, Equatorial Guinea struck first in the 85th minute when substitute Marvin Aniebo headed in from a Carlos Akapo corner.
The Stallions refused to concede defeat. Substitute György Menongo equalised in the fifth minute of added time, before Edmond Tapsoba powered home the winner three minutes later to complete a remarkable turnaround.
Tapsoba, named Man of the Match, said the victory reflected the team’s belief and refusal to give up. Equatorial Guinea coach Juan Micha cited lapses in concentration and the impact of the red card, while Burkina Faso coach Brama Traoré described the win as vital for settling his side into the tournament.
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations action continues with Côte d’Ivoire set to face Mozambique again in Group F, while Gabon meet Cameroon as the competition gathers pace in Morocco.
