Côte d'Ivoire have never lost to Mozambique in seven previous meetings, winning five of them, most recently winning a World Cup qualifier 3-0 back in November 2021.
Ivory Coast vs Mozambique preview
The Africa Cup of Nations holders begin the defence of their title, but will they make a winning start in Marrakesh? Côte d'Ivoire became the first AFCON hosts since 2006 to win the competition in February last year, but to say their campaign was eventful would be an understatement.
After losing their final group game 4-0 to Equatorial Guinea, they appeared set for elimination, hence why manager Jean-Louis Gasset was abruptly sacked. However, les Éléphants actually snuck through as a best-ranked third-place team so, led by Emerse Faé, they ousted Senegal on penalties, Mali in the last minute of extra time and then DR Congo, before fighting back from a goal down to defeat Nigeria 2-1 in the final, with Sébastien Haller the match-winner in Abidjan; an extraordinary run.
Well, since then, Ivory Coast have qualified for a first World Cup since 2014, set to take on Ecuador, Germany and Curaçao in Toronto and Philadelphia next June. Les Éléphants are currently African champions, but they're determined for that to still be the case by the time they head stateside next summer. Here, Côte d'Ivoire are expected to win this opener at Marrakesh Stadium on Wednesday.
As for Mozambique, this will be their sixth Africa Cup of Nations appearance, set to feature at back-to-back editions, having only qualified once since 1998 beforehand. The Mambas lost only once in qualifying, finish above serial AFCON finalists Guinea-Bissau in Group I.
So now, Chiquinho Conde's side are chasing history. To date, Mozambique have never won a Cup of Nations match, losing 11 out of 15. Last year, they lost 3-0 to Cape Verde but also held Egypt and Ghana to credible 2-2 draws, Reinildo Mandava scoring a stoppage time equaliser in the latter in Abidjan, but their wait for that illusive first victory goes on. Well, they've landed in another group of death, with Cameroon and Gabon completing the Group F quartet. So, it would be a major shock if Côte d'Ivoire did not pick up three points in Marrakesh.
Ivory Coast vs Mozambique head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 7.
- Ivory Coast Wins: 5. Draws: 2. Mozambique Wins: Zero.
Ivory Coast team news
2022 final hero Sébastien Haller misses out due to injury, while Mohamed Diomandé, Nicolas Pépé and Simon Adingra have not been selected, with Evann Guessand called up to replace Haller.
Emerse Faé could deploy a Premier League defensive pairing of Emmanuel Agbadou and Willy Boly, with Ibrahim Sangaré alongside Franck Kessié and Seko Fofana a very experienced midfield trio.
In attack, Wilfried Zaha has been surprisingly recalled, having not made an international appearance since October 2023, while his last competitive outing coming in June 2022, so could he start?
Ivory Coast predicted lineup vs Mozambique: (4-3-3): Fofana; Kossounou, Ndicka, Agbadou, Konan; Fofana, Kessié, Sangaré; Amad, Diomande, Krasso.
Ivory Coast player to watch vs Mozambique
Amad Diallo has been starring for Manchester United this season, but has only scored twice for his country to date, most recently netting against Kenya in October, so will he be Côte d'Ivoire's star of this tournament?
Mozambique team news
Chiquinho Conde's players have come from far and wide to be at this tournament, with players based in such far-flung locations as Lebanon, Türkiye, Iraq, Italy, Germany, Azerbaijan and Scotland.
Midfielder Alfons Amade is a key figure for SPFL Championship side Dunfermline Athletic this season, while 42 year old Domingues could become only the fourth man in their 40s to feature at AFCON.
Mozambique predicted lineup vs Ivory Coast: (5-4-1): Ernani; Calila, Mexer, Dove, Langa, Reinildo; Amade, Domingues, Catamo, Guima; Ratifo.
Mozambique player to watch vs Ivory Coast
Reinildo Mandava is the most high-profile Mozambican player in the world, starring for Sunderland after arriving from Atlético Madrid in the summer, and he'll be key for his country here.
Ivory Coast vs Mozambique prediction
We cannot see any other outcome than a Côte d'Ivoire victory at Marrakesh Stadium on Christmas Eve, the holders likely to have too much quality in this opener: Ivory Coast 3-0 Mozambique.
Ivory Coast vs Mozambique FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch Ivory Coast vs Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
Ivory Coast vs Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: 4seven
- USA: beIN SPORTS, fuboTV & Fanatiz USA
- Canada: beIN Sports Canada, fuboTV Canada & Fanatiz Canada
How to watch Ivory Coast vs Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
Ivory Coast vs Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Channel4.com & Channel 4 Sport YouTube
- USA: beIN SPORTS CONNECT & fuboTV
- Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada & fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Ivory Coast vs Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Ivory Coast vs Mozambique takes place on Christmas Eve, Wednesday 24 December 2025, with kick off at 17:30 (GMT), 12:30 (ET) & 9:30 (PT).