The reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions, Ivory Coast, commence their title defence on Wednesday 24 December 2025, facing Mozambique in their opening Group F fixture in Marrakech. The Elephants, who clinched their third continental crown in a dramatic final against Nigeria two years ago, are among the favourites to lift the trophy once more.
Elephants Aim for Fourth Crown Amidst Squad Changes
Under the guidance of coach Emerse Fae, Ivory Coast have been in formidable form, cruising through their 2026 World Cup qualifying group with a perfect record, scoring 25 goals and conceding none. However, they will be without key striker Sebastien Haller due to injury, while Sunderland winger Simon Adingra has been omitted from the squad. This could see Aston Villa's Evann Guessand taking on a greater goalscoring responsibility. The midfield boasts significant experience with Franck Kessie and Nottingham Forest's Ibrahim Sangare providing quality and control.
Tournament Context and Moroccan Favouritism
The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations officially began on Sunday when hosts Morocco defeated Comoros in Rabat. While Ivory Coast are strong contenders, Morocco are the pre-tournament favourites, buoyed by a home advantage and their historic run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022. The pressure of expectation will be immense as they seek a first Afcon title since 1976. Meanwhile, Group F is expected to be a battle between Ivory Coast and fellow heavyweights Cameroon, who also play their opener today against Gabon.
Head-to-Head Record and Predicted Line-Ups
History strongly favours the Ivorians in this match-up. In four previous meetings dating back to 2008, Ivory Coast have never lost to Mozambique, holding a record of two wins and two draws. Their most recent encounter was a 3-0 victory in November 2021.
Possible starting line-ups for the clash are as follows:
Ivory Coast: Fofana; Konan, Agbadou, Ndicka, Kossounou; Fofana, Kessie, Sangare; Y. Diomande, Diallo, Guessand.
Mozambique: Ernani; Dove, Mexer, Reinildo, Nanani, Langa; Guima, Amade; Witi, Catamo, Ratifo.
The match marks the first step in Ivory Coast's quest to secure a historic fourth Africa Cup of Nations title, a campaign that promises high drama from the outset in Morocco.
