Ivory Coast vs Mozambique: Match preview, team news, line-ups, prediction | OneFootball

Ivory Coast kick off the defence of their African Cup of Nations title on Wednesday evening, when they face Mozambique.

The Elephants were far from their best in qualifying, finishing second behind Zambia in Group G, but have since bounced back with strong performances in World Cup qualification.

Mozambique were second best in Group I, securing their place in the finals for the sixth time.

Match preview

Ivory Coast enter this tournament with high expectations, being the defending champions.

Emerse Fae’s side boast one of the best squads, aided by their physicality and wide threats from players such as Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande and Oumar Diakite.

Ivory Coast have faced Mozambique seven times, winning five and drawing two, adding to their credentials as favourites for this clash.

The Mambas have never progressed beyond the group stage at AFCON, and will be aiming to make history here, starting with a positive result against the defending champions.

Mozambique will hope to take inspiration from their spirited display against host country Morocco in a friendly match last month, although they lost 1-0.

Sporting CP midfielder Geny Catamo and Sunderland’s Reinildo Mandava are their most prominent players.

Team news

Ivory Coast will be without Sebastian Haller — who was the match-winner in their final triumph — due to injury. He has since been replaced by Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand.

Mozambique will also miss the services of veteran midfielder Pepo, who sustained an injury before the squad announcement.

Predicted line-ups

Ivory Coast (4-3-3): Yahia Fofana, Guela Doue, Emmanuel Agbadou, Evan Ndicka, Ghislain Konan, Amad Diallo, Ibrahima Sangare, Franck Kessie, Oumar Diakite, Yan Diomande, Evann Guessand.

Mozambique (4-2-3-1) : Ernan Siluane, Bruno Langa, Reinildo Mandava, Edmilson Dove, Infren Matola, Alfons Amade, Manuel Kambala, Gildo Lourenco, Joao Bonde, Witi, Stanley Ratifo.

Prediction

We expect Ivory Coast to triumph 2-0.

Stats from 11v11.com