Ivory Coast vs Mozambique Preview: Team News & Prediction

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Defending champions, the Ivory Coast, begin the defence of their AFCON title by taking on an average Mozambique side at the Marrakesh Stadium in Morocco.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – Matches will be televised across the Channel 4 network / USA – beIN Sports

How to watch online: UK – All 4 & Channel 4 Sport YouTube / USA – beIN Sports Connect & Fubo

Ivory Coast preview: Impressive Ivorians

At the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in early 2024, the Ivory Coast managed to end a few years in the wilderness by winning AFCON, having changed their manager and appointed Emerse Fae mid-way through the tournament that they hosted.

Les Elephants, as they are nicknamed, have one of the strongest sides on the continent, and they are arguably even improved on their 2024 squad with the likes of Ousmane Diomande and Yan Diomande having now come through.

Mozambique preview: Steady Mozambique

Mozambique come into this one on the back of a 4-1 hammering at the hands of Angola in a pre-tournament friendly last week, which has contributed to an average run of form whereby they have managed just two wins in their last eight matches.

There is a bit of pedigree and experience in the Mozambique squad with Chiquinho Conde’s so-called ‘Mambas’ sitting 102nd in the world, according to FIFA, having been reasonably competitive in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Ivory Coast team news: Guessand in for Haller

The Ivory Coast have had to make a late call before the tournament as Sebastian Haller has to withdraw due to injury, replaced by versatile Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand.

Predicted XI (3-5-2): Lafont; Diomande, Kossounou, Ndicka; Doue, Kessie, Seri, Sangare, Diallo; Diomande, Krasso

Unavailable: 

Questionable: 

Mozambique team news: Fully fit

Sunderland defender Reinildo, formerly of Atletico Madrid, is the star of the show for what is believed to be a fully fit and available Mozambique squad for this opener.

Predicted XI (3-5-2): Siluane; Dove, Mexer, Reinildo; Diogo Calila, Domingues, Guima, Kambala, Langa; Catamo, Witi

Unavailable: 

Questionable: 

Ivory Coast vs Mozambique prediction

Mozambique will believe they can be difficult to beat in Morocco this week, especially led by the tenacity and aggression of Reinildo at the back. The Ivorians appear set up well to be able to play against some of the better sides with a lot of pace in attack and midfielders who transition well. Even with the styles not necessarily suiting the Ivorians, them grinding out a hard-fought win remains the likeliest outcome.

Ivory Coast vs Mozambique tip: Ivory Coast to win & under 3.5 goals