Ivory Coast begin their title defence against Mozambique on Wednesday at the Marrakech Stadium with much of the spotlight fixed on two forwards expected to shape the contest, Jean-Philippe Krasso for the reigning champions and Geny Catamo for the Mambas.
For the Elephants, Krasso represents continuity with the success of the previous edition.
He emerged as one of the revelations of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament that ended with Ivory Coast lifting the trophy, and he now returns with the reputation of a dependable scorer.
His impact in the qualifying campaign was decisive, with three goals underlining his ability to deliver when the stakes are high.
The Paris FC striker also arrives in Morocco in encouraging form at club level, having registered two goals and two assists so far this season.
Perhaps more telling is a statistical pattern that has not gone unnoticed within the Ivorian camp, each of his last four goals for the national team has been scored in matches that finished 2-0 in favour of Ivory Coast.
That detail has become a quiet source of optimism, with supporters hoping that another strike on Wednesday might again signal a comfortable opening win.
While the Elephants rely on Krasso to maintain the standards of champions, Mozambique’s hopes rest heavily on Geny Catamo.
The Sporting CP winger has grown into the role of attacking reference point for the Mambas, and his importance was confirmed during the qualifiers, in which he also scored three times.
At international level, Catamo already brings considerable experience despite his age, with 37 caps and 11 goals to his name.
Those numbers speak to his consistency and his central place in Chiquinho Conde’s attacking plans.
His club form mirrors that influence: across 20 appearances this season he has found the net three times and provided two assists, figures that illustrate his dual threat as both scorer and creator.
Mozambique’s squad for the tournament has been built around a small core of offensive leaders, and Catamo is officially listed among the 25 players selected for the finals.
Alongside teammates such as Ratifo and Faisal Bangal, he is expected to shoulder the responsibility of unsettling an Ivorian defence that will feel the pressure of entering the competition as holders.
Group F promises to be one of the more competitive sections of the tournament, and the opening fixture already carries significant weight.
For Ivory Coast, a strong start is essential to reinforce their status and set the rhythm for the defence of their crown.
For Mozambique, a positive result would signal that they are capable of challenging the hierarchy and not merely making up the numbers.
Beyond tactics and formations, the duel between Krasso and Catamo offers a narrative thread that could define the evening in Marrakech.
One arrives seeking to extend a run of fortunate omens for a champion side, the other determined to inspire his team with pace, invention and goals.
Whichever of the two manages to impose himself may well tip the balance in a match that will provide the first real indication of how Group F is likely to unfold.
