Ivory Coast vs Mozambique, Africa Cup of Nations, 2025-26, Today Match Prediction

Ivory Coast vs Mozambique Match Prediction & Analysis

 Defending champions Ivory Coast kick off their AFCON campaign on Wednesday at Stade de Marrakech, taking on Mozambique in a competitive Group F that also features five-time winners Cameroon and a tricky side that is Gabon. 

The clash is scheduled for an 11 PM IST kickoff. Interestingly, Mozambique arrive with a slight edge, having played a friendly against Angola, while Ivory Coast were denied a warm-up after their scheduled match with Zambia was cancelled. 

Head-to-head Record: History favours Ivory Coast in this matchup, with the Elephants unbeaten across four meetings, claiming two wins and two draws. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Ivory Coast Preview

Ranked 42nd in the world and coached by Emerse Faé, Ivory Coast arrive at AFCON 2025 for their 26th appearance as three-time champions and defending holders. Their route to the tournament was surprisingly bumpy, qualifying second behind Zambia, but they have since reasserted their strength with a dominant World Cup qualifying campaign—topping the group unbeaten, interestingly ahead of Zambia, conceding no goals and scoring 25 times. 

While not the most flamboyant side, the Elephants are ruthlessly efficient, though preparation has been disrupted by key setbacks: Sebastien Haller, the hero of their 2023 triumph, has been ruled out and replaced by Aston Villa’s Evann Guessand, while questions linger over the omission of Simon Adingra and the fitness-related absence of Nicolas Pepe. 

Their impressive World Cup qualifying run underlines a side built on defensive solidity, with a dependable spine featuring goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, centre-back Evan Ndicka, and the ever-reliable Franck Kessie driving midfield. Even with key attacking absentees, Ivory Coast still carry threat going forward through Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, Evann Guessand, and RB Leipzig’s rising star Yan Diomandé.

Ivory Coast Probable Starting Lineup - Fofana (GK) ; Guela Doue, Evan Ndicka, Emmanuel Agbadou, Diomande, Sangare, Seko Fofana, Franck Kessie, Diallo, Evann Guessand, Oumar Diakite. 

Mozambique Preview

Coached by Chiquinho Conde, Mozambique are making their sixth AFCON appearance and their second in a row while chasing a first-ever knockout berth. They came agonisingly close last time, drawing 2–2 with both Ghana and Egypt and missing out by a single point. In the meantime, the Mambas shone in AFCON qualifying, finishing second in the group with three wins, two draws and only a narrow 1–0 defeat to Mali. 

Likewise, they carried that form into World Cup qualifying by tying for second place ahead of higher-ranked Uganda and claiming key wins over Guinea, before executing the shock COSAFA Cup victory over South Africa. All signs suggest the Mambas are no pushovers—rather a tricky side capable of springing surprises.

While the squad may lack big-name stars, Mozambique still have key figures to rely on. Reinildo Mandava of Sunderland anchors the backline, while Geny Catamo of Sporting CP and Stanley Ratifo—who led the Mambas in goal involvements during World Cup qualifying—provide the attacking threat. 

Mozambique Probable Starting Lineup - Ernani Siluane (GK);  Reinildo Mandava, Bruno Langa, Mexer, Nanani, Dove, Alfonso Amade, Ricardo Guimaraes, Vilanculos, Geny Catamo, Stanley Ratifo.

IVORY COAST vs MOZAMBIQUE
Winning Prediction

On paper, Ivory Coast still look a cut above Mozambique despite a few omissions and injury concerns. And Mozambique arrive in patchy form, with just two wins in their last eight outings and a heavy 4–1 friendly defeat to Angola. 

That said, as Ghana discovered in the last edition, the Mambas can be stubborn and awkward opponents. Even so, the gulf in quality is hard to overlook, making the defending champions clear favourites for this clash. 

Cote d'Ivoire to win (2-0)

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