Ivory Coast 1-0 Mozambique: Amad Diallo scores first AFCON goal to earn Elephants victory | OneFootball

Ivory Coast opened the defence of their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) title with a 1-0 victory over Mozambique on Wednesday.

They dominated the opening exchanges, but Mozambique registered the game’s first shot on target when Yahia Fofana saved Geny Catamo’s shot.

The defending champions’ first big chance came in the 26th minute, as Guela Doue delivered a cross into the area, but Yan Diomande blazed over.

Amad Diallo fired over the bar from Diomande’s corner kick as the Elephants upped the ante.

Shortly after, the Manchester United star did well to get to the byline to put a brilliant cross into the area, but Ghislain could not make the most of it.

Franck Kessie spurned another opportunity before the break. The ball fell nicely to him when Ernan misjudged a cross, but he headed straight at the goalkeeper.

Kessie made amends for his missed chance after the interval by assisting the opening goal, heading Guela Doue’s cross to Diallo. The United star converted for his first-ever goal at AFCON.

Kessie squandered another big chance after the hour mark, heading wide from Konan’s pinpoint cross.

Vakoun Bayo failed to double the Elephants’ lead, rising to meet a cross but missing the target with the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

Geny Catamo almost salvaged a point for Mozambique, but Fofana made a brilliant save to preserve Ivory Coast’s lead and secure the victory.