Diallo struck after 49 minutes of a Group F match the three-time champions dominated against opponents 60 places lower in the world rankings. Defeat prolonged Mozambican dreams of an AFCON victory — they have drawn four matches and lost 12 since their 1986 debut. Rain, which has fallen at many AFCON matches throughout the kingdom since the tournament kicked off on Sunday, greeted the sides after the break. As the match passed the hour mark, Kessie had a chance to increase the lead, but headed a cross just wide. Ivory Coast were not content with the narrow lead and attacked repeatedly, greatly limiting Mozambican opportunities to seek an equaliser.

Source: The Guardian December 25, 2025 18:58 UTC