Ivory Coast began the defence of their African Cup of Nations title with a dominant 1-0 win over Mozambique in their group F clash on Wednesday, SportPremi Reports.
The Elephants had defeated Nigeria 2-1 in the final on home soil two years ago and got their campaign off on the right tract at the Stade de Marrakech.
Manchester United star Amad Diallo netted the only goal of the encounter in the second half as Ivory Coast set early pace in a tough group.
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They stay top of the standings ahead of Cameroon’s clash with Gabon later in the day.
First half: Goalless first half in Marrakech
Ivory Coast set the early tone in the clash and dominated possession in the early exchanges, but could not threaten Ernan in the Mozambique goal.
Their first good chance of the game came in the 25th minute through Diomande, whose effort was tipped over by the Mozambique goalkeeper.
Konan then missed a huge chance to break the deadlock after he was set up by the impressive Amad Diallo, before Kessie had a header saved by Ernan, who was lucky after making an error at the back.
The Elephants dominated the clash, but the scoreline remained goalless into the first half break.
Second half: Amad nets opener
It took the defending champions just four minutes to break the deadlock in the second half as Amad Diallo powered home after a knockdown from Kessie.
Ivory Coast almost doubled their lead minutes later but Kessie’s header from a Konan’s cross was wide off the mark.
The Elephants wasted several more chances to add to the scoreline as it ended 1-0 in their favour.
Players Ratings
Ivory Coast Players Ratings:
- Fofana – 7.8/10
- Doue – 7.6/10
- Kossounou – 7.2/10
- N’Dicka – 7.1/10
- Konan – 7.6/10
- Kessie – 7.7/10
- Seri – 6.8/10
- Sangare – 7.7/10
- Amad – 8.2/10
- Zaha – 6.2/10
- Diomande – 8.0/10
Substitutes
- Bayo – 6.4/10
- S. Fofana – 6.7/10
- Diakite – 6.0/10
Mozambique Players Ratings:
- Ernan – 6.8/10
- Langa – 6.8/10
- Reinildo – 6.9/10
- Mexer – 6.9/10
- Calila – 6.4/10
- Kambala – 6.6/10
- Witi – 5.9/10
- Guima – 6.9/10
- Amade – 6.4/10
- Catamo – 6.7/10
- Ratifo – 5.7/10
Substitutes
- Pelembe – 6.2/10
- Bangal – 6.1/10
- Vilanculos – 5.9/10
- Nanani – 6.0/10
Man of the match
Amad Diallo (8.2/10) – The 23-year-old scored the only goal of the game and created three chances in a very impressive display for the defending champions.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Ivory Coast 54% – 46% Mozambique
Total Shots: Ivory Coast 15 – 4 Mozambique
Shots on target: Ivory Coast 5 – 2 Mozambique
Pass Accuracy: Ivory Coast 92% – 89% Mozambique
Corners: Ivory Coast 9 – 3 Mozambique
What Next?
Ivory Coast face Cameroon in a crucial clash in their second group game on Sunday night, as they hope to book their spot in the knockout stages of the competition.
Mozambique, on the other hand, eye their first win of the tournament when they face Gabon on the same day.
