Mozambique once again found history just out of reach, as their Africa Cup of Nations dream began with a narrow but gallant defeat on Wednesday to defending champions Côte d’Ivoire.
In Marrakech, on a night that promised little mercy for the underdogs, the Mambas showed resilience, organisation and belief — yet still left the pitch empty-handed.
The holders, crowned on home soil in February last year, made the perfect start to their title defence thanks to a moment of calm quality from Manchester United forward Amad Diallo. His composed finish shortly after the interval proved decisive in a Group F opener that was far more testing than the Ivorians might have anticipated.
Ranked 60 places above Mozambique in the FIFA standings, the Elephants dominated possession and chances in the first half, but were repeatedly frustrated by wastefulness and an inspired performance from goalkeeper Ernan. Côte d’Ivoire squandered a succession of opportunities, exposing a nervous edge beneath their champion status.
Ernan was called into action early and often. He produced an acrobatic save to tip Yan Diomande’s miscued effort over the crossbar after a teasing delivery from Guéla Doué, and then stood firm to deny Franck Kessié, who headed straight at the keeper from close range. Ghislain Konan also missed a golden chance when Amad danced his way into the box and laid the ball back invitingly, only for the left-back to blaze wide with the goal at his mercy.
Mozambique, disciplined and compact, absorbed the pressure with admirable composure. They defended deep, closed spaces intelligently and grew in confidence as the first half wore on, quietly daring to believe that an upset might be possible.
That belief was shattered just four minutes after the restart. A lapse in concentration at the back proved costly as Kessié won a knockdown inside the area, allowing Amad to ghost into space. The winger made no mistake, guiding a low, precise finish between Reinildo’s legs and beyond the helpless Ernan to finally break Mozambique’s resistance.
Even then, the Mambas refused to crumble. Ivory Coast pushed for a second to kill the contest, with Kessié breaking clear in added time only to hesitate, allowing substitute Vakoun Bayo a chance that was dramatically denied by Ernan and an acrobatic goal-line clearance from Guima.
For Mozambique, the defeat was painful yet encouraging. Against one of Africa’s heavyweights, they showed defensive organisation, courage and a growing tactical maturity. Once again, history eluded them — but not without leaving behind signs of progress and promise.
Attention now turns quickly to Sunday’s fixtures. Mozambique face Gabon in Agadir, knowing that their hopes of progression remain alive, while Côte d’Ivoire prepare for a heavyweight clash with five-time champions Cameroon back in Marrakech.
For the champions, it was a professional if unconvincing start. For Mozambique, it was another reminder that while the gap remains, it is no longer unbridgeable.
