Ivory Coast vs Mozambique Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | AFCON 2025

Defending champions will launch their title defence against resilient Mambas in Marrakech.

Defending champions Ivory Coast gear up to start their title defence against Mozambique this Wednesday, December 24, 2025. This first Group F match kicks off at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco.

The Elephants carry a heavy load of expectation following their incredible win at home last year. Head coach Emerse Faé has a talented squad at his disposal.

It features players such as Franck Kessié and Simon Adingra. Still, the team must stay on its toes against a stubborn Mamba side.

001 Davido is here 🇳🇬 #TotalEnergiesAFCON📹 @davido pic.twitter.com/ioTiErsizF

— TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 (@TotalAFCON2025) December 21, 2025

Mozambique enter this tournament with plenty of belief. Their confidence comes from a consistent rise in the African rankings and the tactical setup under Chiquinho Conde. While the history between these teams mostly points to an Ivorian win, the Mambas showed they can cause trouble during the qualifiers.

They frustrated bigger teams by sticking to tight defensive lines. Because of this, the match serves as a massive test for the Ivory Coast.

They want to grab an early lead in a group that features tough rivals like Cameroon and Gabon. Fans expect a gritty tactical fight.

Eyes on the journey. 🇲🇿Mozambique enter #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 focused on what’s ahead. ✨ pic.twitter.com/Wg5U23T1FI

— TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 (@TotalAFCON2025) December 15, 2025

A bit of individual magic might settle things in the final minutes. A win for the trophy holders will give them the right start to handle the games ahead. If Mozambique pull off a shock result, they will shake up the Group F standings immediately.

Kick-off:

• Location: Ouahat Sidi Brahim, Morocco
• Stadium: Stade de Marrakech
• Date: Wednesday, December 24
• Kick-off Time: 11 PM IST
• Referee: Mustapha Ghorbal
• VAR: Not in use

Form:

Ivory Coast (in all competitions): W-L-W-W-D

Mozambique (in all competitions): D-L-W-L-W

Players to watch out for:

Wilfried Zaha (Ivory Coast):

Spectators should keep a close eye on Wilfried Zaha as he returns to the Ivorian lineup with a point to prove. After missing the previous tournament, the experienced winger brings a direct attacking threat and creative flair that provides a fresh dimension to the Elephants’ forward line.

Furthermore, his ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations creates vital space for his teammates. Head coach Emerse Faé welcomes his maturity. It will prove essential for breaking down compact opponents.

Consequently, Zaha remains a primary candidate to deliver the decisive blow during this high-stakes opening Group F fixture in Morocco.

Geny Catamo (Mozambique):

Geny Catamo stands out as the most dangerous individual for the Mambas during this AFCON campaign. The Sporting CP winger possesses sensational pace and exceptional technical skill. It makes him a constant nightmare for even the most disciplined defensive units.

Moreover, he frequently drifts inside from the flank to unleash powerful strikes or provide pinpoint crosses for his fellow attackers. His recent performances in European competitions demonstrate a level of composure that elevates the entire Mozambican team. Therefore, the Ivorian full-backs must remain constantly alert to prevent Catamo from dictating the tempo and causing a significant upset.

Match Facts:

• Ivory Coast maintain a perfect winning record against Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations finals. They have secured 3-0 victories in both their 1986 and 1996 group stage meetings.
• The Elephants enter this fixture as the first defending champions to begin their title defence on Moroccan soil since the tournament expanded to 24 teams.
• Moroccan officials have selected the Grand Stade de Marrakech to host this Group F opener. It provides a neutral setting for the two nations to settle their historical rivalry.

Ivory Coast vs Mozambique Betting Tips and Odds:

• Ivory Coast to Win to Nil: 1.60 as per 1xBet.
• Under 2.5 Total Goals: 1.72 as per 1Win.
• Ivory Coast -1.5 Asian Handicap: 2.15 as per Winmatch.

Injuries and Team News:

Reigning champions Ivory Coast face a significant blow following the confirmed withdrawal of star striker Sébastien Haller due to a persistent hamstring injury. The prolific forward sustained this setback during a domestic fixture with Utrecht earlier in December.

It unfortunately forces him to watch the opening stages from the sidelines. Consequently, head coach Emerse Faé has summoned Aston Villa attacker Evann Guessand to bolster the front line as a direct replacement.

Furthermore, defender Wilfried Singo remains absent from the squad as he continues his recovery from a long-term injury suffered at Galatasaray. These high-profile omissions place greater responsibility on the remaining veterans to maintain their scoring rhythm against a disciplined opponent. Therefore, the Elephants must adapt their offensive strategy quickly to account for the loss of Haller’s physical presence in the penalty area.

Mozambique also contend with the loss of influential midfielder Pepo. He missed the entire tournament after suffering a severe knee injury just before the squad announcement.

This absence represents a major tactical challenge for Chiquinho Conde. The player served as a regular fixture in the team’s recent qualifying successes.

Additionally, the Mambas will travel without experienced winger Clésio Bauque after the management decided to omit him for technical reasons during the final selection process. Despite these gaps, the squad welcomes the presence of Reinildo Mandava.

He arrives from Sunderland to provide vital stability to the left flank. The coaching staff hopes that the collective hunger of the younger debutants will successfully fill the void left by their injured teammates.

Head-To-Head stats:

Total matches: 7

Ivory Coast wins: 5

Mozambique wins: 0

Draws: 2

Predicted Starting Lineups:

Ivory Coast’s Predicted Starting Lineup (4-3-3):

Yahia Fofana; Emmanuel Agbadou, Evan Ndicka, Odilon Kossounou, Ghislain Konan; Seko Fofana, Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré; Wilfried Zaha, Evann Guessand, Amad Diallo

Mozambique’s Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Siluane; Ifren Matola, Mexer, Reinildo Mandava, Bruno Langa; Guima, Alfons Amade; Domingues, Geny Catamo, Witi; Stanley Ratifo

Match Prediction:

The defending champions are likely secure a comfortable victory in this opening Group F fixture. While Mozambique show improved defensive organisation, the superior individual quality of the Ivorian frontline can provide too many problems for the Mambas to contain over 90 minutes. Consequently, the Elephants will look to dominate possession and exploit spaces out wide to start their campaign with maximum points.

Prediction: Ivory Coast 2-0 Mozambique

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

Nigeria: NTA Sports 24, SuperSport

UK: Channel 4

USA: beIN Sports

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