PREVIEW: Ivory Coast begin title defense against Mozambique
Ivory Coast begin their AFCON 2025 title defence against Mozambique in Group F at the Stade de Marrakech in Marrakech on Wednesday 24 December, 2025 with the Elephants heavily favored thanks to their superior squad depth, past tournament pedigree, and dominant head-to-head record. Mozambique, however, arrive with resilience and a coach determined to inspire an upset.
Ivory Coast enter as clear favorites, with their attacking depth and championship pedigree. Mozambique will rely on defensive organization and quick transitions, hoping to frustrate the Elephants and snatch a point. The clash sets the tone for Group F, which also features Cameroon and Gabon.
Previous Meetings
- Head-to-head record: Ivory Coast has historically dominated, with 5 wins in 7 meetings and no losses.
- Notable results:
- 2021 WCQ: Ivory Coast 3–0 Mozambique.
- 2008 WCQ: Mozambique 1–1 Ivory Coast.
- 1998 AFCON: Ivory Coast 4–1 Mozambique.
- Mozambique has managed draws but never beaten the Elephants.
🇨🇮 Ivory Coast (Les Éléphants)
- Strengths:
- Balanced squad with Franck Kessié, Wilfried Zaha, and Ibrahim Sangaré providing creativity and firepower.
- Strong defensive core: Jean Seri and Ousmane Diomande.
- Depth across midfield and attack, making them one of Africa’s most complete teams.
- AFCON pedigree:
- Three-time champions (1992, 2015, 2023).
- Defending champions after beating Nigeria 2–1 in the 2023 final.
- Coach:
- Emerse Faé, appointed in 2024, led Ivory Coast to the 2023 title. Known for tactical boldness and emotional intelligence.
- Determined to make Ivory Coast the first team since Egypt (2008) to defend the AFCON crown.
🇲🇿 Mozambique (The Mambas)
- Strengths:
- Resilient and spirited side, often frustrating bigger teams.
- Held Egypt and Ghana to 2–2 draws at AFCON 2023.
- Key players include Geny Catamo (Sporting CP winger) and Domingues (veteran playmaker).
- AFCON pedigree:
- Five appearances (1986, 1996, 1998, 2010, 2023).
- Have never progressed beyond the group stage, but show signs of growth.
- Coach:
- Chiquinho Conde, former Mozambique striker, head coach since 2019.
- Known for instilling belief and discipline, aiming to make history by guiding the Mambas past the group stage.
Players to Watch
- Ivory Coast: Franck Kessié, Wilfried Zaha, Amad Diallo, and Ibrahim Sangaré
- Mozambique: Geny Catamo (Sporting Lisbon) – creative spark, dangerous in transition.
- Renildo Mandava (Sunderland) – defensive kingpin with leadership and vision.
- Feliciano Jone – defensive anchor.
| Aspect | Ivory Coast 🇨🇮 | Mozambique 🇲🇿 |
|---|---|---|
| Head-to-Head Record | 5W, 2D, 0L | 0W, 2D, 5L |
| AFCON Titles | 3 (1992, 2015, 2023) | 0 |
| Last AFCON Performance | Champions (2023) | Group stage, notable draws vs Egypt & Ghana |
| Key Strengths | Depth, star power, balanced squad | Resilience, counter-attacking threat |
| Head Coach | Emerse Faé (since 2024) | Chiquinho Conde (since 2019) |
| Players to Watch | Kessié, Diallo, Zaha | Catamo, Renildo, Jone |
