Cote d'Ivoire commenced their Africa Cup of Nations title defence campaign with a narrow victory over Mozambique in Group F opening game at the Marrakech Stadium on Wednesday night.
In a game defined by patience rather than flair, the Elephants had to wait until shortly after the interval to find the breakthrough, with Amad Diallo delivering the decisive moment in Group F.
The Ivorians dominated possession from the outset, probing mainly down the flanks as Franck Kessié and Wilfried Zaha looked to impose themselves. Clear chances were limited, however, with Kessié’s first-half header saved and Ghislain Konan firing narrowly wide.
Mozambique, compact and organised, absorbed the pressure well and threatened sporadically on the counter through Geny Catamo.
The deadlock was finally broken four minutes into the second half. Kessié rose to meet a delivery and headed the ball into the path of Diallo, who showed composure to steer a low finish past the goalkeeper and into the net.
The goal settled Cote d'Ivoire, who controlled the remainder of the match without extending their lead.
Vakoun Bayo went close, while Mozambique struggled to fashion a clear opening in reply, rarely testing Yahia Fofana in the Ivorian goal.
The 1-0 win places Cote 'Ivoire top of Group F after the opening round. Mozambique depart encouraged by their resistance, but still searching for a first-ever victory at the finals.
