Amad Diallo capped a dream Africa Cup of Nations night by scoring the winner and being named Man of the Match in Cote d’Ivoire’s tight 1–0 victory over Mozambique in Marrakech.
The defending champions had to stay patient in their opening Group F game, controlling possession but struggling to break down a disciplined Mozambique side in front of a tense crowd at the Marrakech Stadium.
Yan Diomande’s penalty appeal was waved away before Ghislain Konan miscued following a solo run from Amad on the right flank.
The breakthrough finally arrived four minutes into the second half when Franck Kessié’s header dropped kindly for Diallo, who stayed calm and swept a low finish past the goalkeeper.
Mozambique’s Ernan Siluane made a determined save to deny midfielder Kessie, who later planted a close-range header wide of a glaring goal shortly after Amad opened the scoring.
The goal gave the Elephants the confidence to see out the contest, with Vakoun Bayo going close to adding a second as Mozambique chased an equaliser but rarely troubled Yahia Fofana.
Cote d’Ivoire will play Cameroon on December 28th at the Stade de Marrakech.
