Ivory Coast vs Mozambique: AFCON prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds | OneFootball

Holders kick off their tournament in Marrakesh

Defending champions Ivory Coast kick off the defence of their Africa Cup of Nations title this evening, against Mozambique.

The Elephants were crowned the continent's best on home soil in 2024, and are now looking to become the first nation to defend their crown since Egypt in 2010. They head into the tournament with momentum, having won four of their last six games and scored 13 goals along the way.

Mozambique, meanwhile, have momentum of their own, after qualifying for back-to-back tournament thanks to an impressive campaign finishing runners-up to Mali. It remains to be seen if they are ready for a daunting opening group game - they have never reached the knockout stages in five previous attempts.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Ivory Coast vs Mozambique is scheduled for a 5.30pm GMT kick-off on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

The match will take place at Stade de Marrakech in Morocco.

Where to watch Ivory Coast vs Mozambique

TV channel: Every match of the tournament will be broadcast across Channel 4’s network.

The game will be broadcast on 4seven, with coverage starting at 5.25pm GMT.

Live stream: UK viewers will be able to stream games on the Channel 4 Sport YouTube or Channel 4’s official website and app.

Ivory Coast vs Mozambique team news

Ivory Coast's preparations have been hampered by injury to Sebastien Haller, who suffered a hamstring injury on the eve of the tournament. He has been replaced by Aston Villa's Evann Guessand, who should start today.

Manchester United's Amad Diallo and Sporting star Ousmane Diomande are expected to provide for Guessand in front of a stern midfield three of Franck Kessie, Seko Fofana and Ibrahim Sangare.

Mozambique will also be without an influential star after Pepo was ruled out with a serious knee injury in the weeks ahead of the tournament start. Their goal threat will come from Sporting's Catamo, with support coming from the likes of Gildo Vilanculos and Stanley Ratifo.

Ivory Coast vs Mozambique prediction

This should be a fairly straightforward victory for the holders, who have further matured since winning the 2024 tournament. Mozambique, on paper at least, come off second-best across the pitch, but will no doubt aim to raise their game for their opening game.

An early goal for Ivory Coast will settle any nerves, but one for the Mambas could cause some panic in the Elephants' ranks.

Ivory Coast 2-0 Mozambique

Head to head (h2h) history and results

Ivory Coast wins: 5

Mozambique wins: 0

Draws: 2

Ivory Coast vs Mozambique match odds

Ivory Coast to win: 1/4

Mozambique to win: 9/1

Draw: 10/3

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).