Ivory Coast secured a hard-fought victory against Mozambique in their opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations, with a lone goal from Amad Diallo Traoré proving to be the difference between the two sides. The match, held at a packed stadium, was a closely contested affair with both teams showcasing their skills and determination on the field.
The first half saw both teams testing each other’s defenses, with Ivory Coast enjoying more possession and creating several scoring opportunities. However, the Mozambique defense held firm, frustrating the Ivorian attackers and denying them any clear-cut chances.
The breakthrough finally came in the 49th minute when Amad Diallo Traoré broke the deadlock with a well-taken goal, sending the Ivorian fans into a frenzy. The goal was a result of a quick counter-attack by Ivory Coast, with Traoré showing great composure in front of goal to slot the ball past the Mozambique goalkeeper.
Despite falling behind, Mozambique fought hard to get back into the game, launching several attacks of their own. However, the Ivory Coast defense stood strong, snuffing out any threats and protecting their slender lead.
As the final whistle blew, Ivory Coast emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Mozambique. The Ivorian players celebrated their hard-earned victory, while Mozambique will be left ruing their missed chances.
The match was a testament to the competitive nature of the Africa Cup of Nations, with both teams showing skill, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the game. Ivory Coast will be looking to build on this victory in their upcoming matches, while Mozambique will be aiming to bounce back from this defeat in their next fixture.
Overall, it was a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle, showcasing the excitement and drama that the Africa Cup of Nations is known for. Amad Diallo Traoré’s goal will surely be remembered as the decisive moment in a tightly contested match that could have gone either way.
- Ivory Coast will play with Cameroon. December 28 at 20:00 (GMT), on Stade de Marrakech.
- Mozambique will play with Gabon. December 28 at 12:30 (GMT), on Stade Adrar.
Ivory Coast
- Yahia Fofana (7.2)
- Guéla Maho Lewis Doué (7.2)
- Kouakou Odilon Dorgeless Kossounou (7.2)
- Obite Evan Ndicka (7)
- Ghislain NClomande Konan (7.6)
- Franck Yannick Kessié (7)
- Jean Michaël Seri (6.9)
- Ibrahim Sangaré (6.9)
- Amad Diallo Traoré (8.2)
- Dazet Wilfried Armel Zaha (6.3)
- Yan Diomande (8.2)
Mozambique
Substitutions:
Ivory Coast
- Dazet Wilfried Armel Zaha (Vakoun Issouf Bayo, 67)
- Jean Michaël Seri (Seko Mohamed Fofana, 68)
- Amad Diallo Traoré (Oumar Diakité, 81)
Mozambique
- Stanley Ratifo (Faisal Bangal, 67)
- Witiness Chimoio João Quembo (Gildo Lourenço Vilanculos, 67)
- Manuel Nhanga Kambala (Elias Gaspar Pelembe, 67)
- Diogo dos Santos Cabral (Infren Da Conceição David Matola, 84)
Ball possession:
In a thrilling match between Ivory Coast and Mozambique, the ball possession was keenly contested with the Ivory Coast commanding 54% of the possession while Mozambique held 46%. The Ivorian team displayed their attacking prowess by registering a total of 15 shots on target, with 5 hitting the goal frame. Vakoun Issouf Bayo emerged as the most active shooter for the Ivory Coast, constantly testing the Mozambican defense.
On the other hand, Mozambique fought bravely, managing to create 4 shots on target, 2 of which troubled the Ivorian goalkeeper. Geny Cipriano Catamo showcased his precision in front of the goal, delivering the best hits on target for Mozambique.
Despite the intense competition, Ivory Coast emerged victorious with their superior shooting accuracy and ball control. The match was a testament to the skill and determination of both teams, providing fans with a spectacle to remember.
Passes:
In a thrilling encounter between Ivory Coast and Mozambique, passing accuracy emerged as a key factor in determining the outcome of the match. Kouakou Odilon Dorgeless Kossounou of Ivory Coast showcased exceptional precision with a remarkable pass accuracy of 98% from a total of 68 passes. His ability to dictate play and maintain possession proved instrumental in Ivory Coast’s attacking rhythm.
On the Mozambique side, Reinildo Isnard Mandava exhibited a commendable pass accuracy of 95%, completing 73 passes with finesse and vision. Mandava’s distribution from the backline provided stability and control for Mozambique as they navigated the challenges posed by a formidable Ivory Coast midfield.
Noteworthy contributions were also seen in the creation of goal-scoring opportunities, with Guéla Maho Lewis Doué of Ivory Coast delivering 3 key passes to unlock the Mozambique defense. Doué’s creativity and vision in the final third added a layer of unpredictability to Ivory Coast’s attacking plays.
Meanwhile, Bruno Alberto Langa of Mozambique made his mark with 2 key passes, showcasing his ability to thread the needle and set up his teammates in dangerous positions. Langa’s vision and execution were pivotal in creating openings and testing the Ivory Coast defense.
Overall, the match showcased a battle of precision and creativity in passing, with both teams displaying quality in their distribution and attacking intent. Ivory Coast’s dominance in passing accuracy, led by Kossounou, ultimately played a crucial role in securing a hard-fought victory over Mozambique in this captivating encounter.
Defense:
In a tightly contested match between Ivory Coast and Mozambique, defensive prowess was on full display as both teams battled fiercely to gain the upper hand. The clash saw a total of 16 interceptions and 6 blocks, showcasing the resilience and determination of the defenders on both sides.
Ivory Coast, led by the industrious Ibrahim Sangaré who made an impressive 3 interceptions, put up a valiant defensive effort throughout the match. Sangaré’s ability to read the game and break up Mozambique’s attacking plays played a crucial role in thwarting their opponents’ advances. Alongside Sangaré, Kouakou Odilon Dorgeless Kossounou also contributed with 2 interceptions, demonstrating his alertness and defensive acumen.
On the other hand, Mozambique’s defensive line was equally steadfast, with Reinildo Isnard Mandava leading the charge with an impressive 4 interceptions. Mandava’s tenacity and anticipation were instrumental in disrupting Ivory Coast’s attacking rhythm and preventing goal-scoring opportunities. Additionally, Bruno Alberto Langa’s 2 interceptions further bolstered Mozambique’s defensive solidity, showcasing their commitment to keeping a clean sheet.
The match was a testament to the importance of defensive excellence in football, with both teams showcasing their ability to read the game, make crucial interceptions, and block shots effectively. The intense battle between Ivory Coast and Mozambique highlighted the significance of defensive actions in shaping the outcome of a match and underlined the skill and dedication of the defenders on both sides.
Overall, the match was a compelling display of defensive prowess, with Ivory Coast and Mozambique showcasing their resilience and determination to secure a positive result. The defensive actions of both teams added an intriguing dimension to the game, highlighting the crucial role that defenders play in shaping the outcome of a match.
Face-to-face:
In a thrilling encounter between Ivory Coast and Mozambique, the match was characterized by intense face-to-face duels for the ball, showcasing the determination and skill of both teams. The leaders in these confrontations were Yan Diomande of Ivory Coast and Geny Cipriano Catamo of Mozambique, each engaged in 9 face-to-face fights for possession throughout the game.
The match kicked off with both teams demonstrating their tactical prowess and attacking intent. The midfield battle was particularly fierce, with Diomande and Catamo at the forefront, showcasing their physicality and determination to win the ball for their respective teams.
As the game progressed, the intensity only increased, with both players refusing to back down in their pursuit of dominance in the midfield. Their tenacity and commitment to the cause were evident in their repeated challenges and relentless work rate.
Despite the closely contested nature of the match, Ivory Coast ultimately emerged victorious, with Diomande’s influential performance in the midfield proving to be a decisive factor. His ability to consistently come out on top in the face-to-face duels was crucial in providing his team with a platform to control the game and secure the win.
On the other hand, Catamo’s spirited display for Mozambique was commendable, as he matched Diomande’s energy and determination throughout the match. Despite the outcome not going in his team’s favor, Catamo’s resilience and fighting spirit were a testament to his commitment to the cause.
In conclusion, the duel between Diomande and Catamo added an extra layer of excitement and intensity to an already enthralling match between Ivory Coast and Mozambique. Their battle in the midfield encapsulated the competitive spirit of the game and highlighted the importance of winning the face-to-face duels in securing victory on the football pitch.
Fouls:
- Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast) at 80 minute
- Witiness Chimoio João Quembo (Mozambique) at 35 minute
- Reinildo Isnard Mandava (Mozambique) at 55 minute
Yellow cards:
The last five games (including this match):
- Ivory Coast – W
- Mozambique – L
Top 5 Africa Cup of Nations scorers:
- Nicolas Jackson (2, Senegal)
- Prince Mpumelelo Dube (2, Zimbabwe)
- Mohamed Elias Achouri (2, Tunisia)
- Riyad Karim Mahrez (2, Algeria)
- Denis Lukambi Omedi (1, Uganda)
Line-ups:
Next games:
- Ivory Coast will play with Cameroon. December 28 at 20:00 (GMT), on Stade de Marrakech.
- Mozambique will play with Gabon. December 28 at 12:30 (GMT), on Stade Adrar.
