Defending Champions Ivory Coast Open AFCON 2025 Against Mozambique in Group F Clash

AFCON 2025 Opener: Ivory Coast Start Group F Against Mozambique in Marrakech

Defending champions Ivory Coast launch their AFCON 2025 campaign with a Group F showdown against Mozambique in Marrakech, opening a tournament that promises a tense start for two nations eager to etch their names in continental history.

Ivory Coast arrive as the reigning champions,guided by Emerse Fae,who took charge midway through the previous campaign and delivered a dramatic victory that remains a talking point. Mozambique enters the fray hoping to break through the group stage barrier for the first time in AFCON history.

Starting Lineups and Key Figures

Ivory Coast	Mozambique
GK: Y. Fofana; Captain: Kessie; Notables: Zaha, Amad, N’Dicka, Sangare, Y.Diomande	GK: Ernoson (captain); Notables: Lang, Camma, Cattao, Reinol, Reindo, Amader, Witt, Witt, Gumilaes, Gumila

The Ivorians plan to lean on their attacking talent and midfield control, while Mozambique aims to exploit counter-attacking opportunities and organizational resilience to test their Group F rivals from the outset.

Why this Match Matters

This kickoff sets the tone for Group F in Marrakech, with Ivory Coast aiming to defend their title and assert their status early in the tournament.for Mozambique,a prosperous group-stage run would mark a historic step forward and coudl spark a wider competitive spark in southern African football.

evergreen insights

AFCON 2025 spotlights emerging stars and tested veterans alike as teams adapt to the evolving tactical landscape of African football. Early performances often shape momentum for the rest of the group stage, influencing coaching decisions, player growth, and national team narratives for the ensuing year.

Engagement

Two quick questions for readers: 1) Which team do you expect to advance from group F? 2) Which Ivory Coast player could be the match-winner in this opener?

Share your thoughts in the comments and stay with us for live updates as group F unfolds in Marrakech.

Group F Overview – AFCON 2025

• Teams: Ivory Coast (defending champions), Mozambique, Ghana, and Kenya.
• Venue: Stade Alphonse Massemba‑Débat, Brazzaville, republic of Congo.
• Kick‑off: 20 December 2025, 19:00 GMT (local time 20:00).

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Ivory Coast – Defending Champions

Recent Form & Qualification

Competition	Result	Highlights
2025 AFCON Qualifiers	8 wins, 1 draw	Secured Group A top spot with 25 points; unbeaten run.
Nations League – Group C	2nd place	Narrow loss to Senegal (1‑0) showed defensive solidity.
Friendly (vs.Morocco)	2‑2 draw	Zaha’s late equaliser highlighted attacking depth.

– FIFA ranking (Dec 2025): 12th in Africa, 46th worldwide.

• Coach: Souleymane “Seydou” Cissé (appointed july 2024). Emphasises high‑pressing and fluid transition.

Key Players to Watch

• Wilfried Zaha (Manchester United – FW): 12 goals in last 15 internationals; excels in counter‑attack.
• Franck Kessié (AC Milan – CM): box‑to‑box midfielder, 85% pass success, dominant aerial presence.
• Nicolas Pépé (Lille – LW): Creator on the flank; 9 assists during qualifiers.
• Jean Koffi (Rennes – CB): Defensive leader, strong in set‑piece institution.

Tactical Setup

1. High Press: Traps opponents high up the pitch to force errors.
2. Width via Flank wingers: Zaha and Pépé stretch defenses, creating space for Kessié’s late runs.
3. Midfield Pivot: Kessié and Amadou Coulibaly (mid‑season signing) rotate to maintain possession and shield defense.
4. Quick Transition: Upon turnover, two‑touch passes to wide forwards, aiming for 2‑3‑1 formation in attack.

Expected Starting XI (4‑2‑3‑1)

GK   : Boubacar Kamara


RB   : Serge Aurélien


CB   : Jean Koffi - 4


CB   : Hafiz Wahab


LB   : William Dabiri


CM   : Franck Kessié


CM   : Amadou Coulibaly


RW   : Nicolas Pépé


CAM  : Wilfried Zaha (wide‑right)


LW   : Nicolas Sangaré


ST   : Odilon Kouyaté

Mozambique – The Underdog

Qualification Journey

• Finished 2nd in AFCON 2025 Qualifier Group B behind Ghana, securing the playoff spot.
• Won the inter‑confederation playoff 2‑1 against Tunisia (away goal).

Emerging Talents

• Luis Galhardo (Al Ahly – GK): 3 clean sheets in qualifiers, excellent reflexes.
• Mário Mirete (Mamelodi Sundowns – ST): 7 goals, strong aerial ability, “target man” role.
• Mulemba Jé (Vasco da Gama – RB): Fast overlapping runs, contributes 4 assists.

Tactical Approach

1. Compact Defense: 5‑4‑1 shape,deep block to frustrate Ivory Coast’s press.
2. counter‑Attack: Quick release to Mirete through the centre or mullimba on the wing.
3. Set‑Piece Focus: Goalkeeper Galhardo’s long distribution and well‑rehearsed corner routines.

Possible Lineup (5‑4‑1)

GK   : Luis Galhardo


RB   : Mulemba Jé


CB   : Júlio Muso


CB   : Danilo macedo


CB   : Tadeu Machado


LB   : Nélson Kabelo


RM   : André mangue


CM   : José Maluana


LM   : Graça Mambé


ST   : Mário Mirete

Head‑to‑Head Statistics

Fixture	Date	Result	Goal Scorers
2019 AFCON Qualifier (Home)	12 Oct 2018	Ivory Coast 2‑0	Zaha (23′), Kessié (68′)
2019 AFCON Qualifier (Away)	13 Nov 2018	Mozambique 1‑1	Mirete (55′) – Pépé (77′)
Friendly (Abuja)	6 jun 2021	Ivory Coast 3‑2	Koffi, Pépé, Zaha – Miro (68′, 82′)

– Overall: Ivory Coast 2 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses.

• Recent trend: Mozambique have reduced the margin, indicating improved defensive organization.

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Match Stakes & Group F implications

1. Ivory Coast:

• A win secures top‑spot and guarantees progression irrespective of other results.
• Goal‑difference could become a tiebreaker if Ghana draws with Kenya.

2. Mozambique:

• A victory would place them third with a realistic chance to advance on a “best third‑place” basis.
• Even a draw improves their goal‑difference, crucial for knockout qualification.

3. Group Dynamics:

• Ghana (currently second) will likely need a win or high‑scoring draw against Kenya to stay ahead of Mozambique.

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Broadcast, Ticket & Fan Facts

• Live TV: SuperSport (Africa), Eurosport (Europe), ESPN+ (USA).
• Streaming: Official AFCON 2025 app,YouTube Live (region‑locked).
• Ticket Prices (Brazzaville):
• General Admission: $30 USD
• Premium (behind the goals): $55 USD
• VIP Packages: $120 USD (includes stadium lounge and team merchandise).
• Stadium Access: Public transport (buses 8, 12) and designated park‑and‑ride zones 5 km from venue.

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Practical Tips for Viewers

1. Time‑Zone Conversion:

• London: 19:00 GMT → 19:00 local (no offset).
• New york: 14:00 EDT.
• Johannesburg: 21:00 SAST.

2. Streaming Checklist:

• Stable internet ≥ 5 Mbps.
• Update AFCON 2025 app to version 2.4.1 (adds multi‑language commentary).
• Enable “HD” for best picture; “Live‑Stats” overlay shows real‑time possession and shots.

3. Fan Engagement:

• Use hashtag #AFCON2025F on Twitter for live updates.
• Join the official Facebook group “Ivory Coast fans Worldwide” for pre‑match chants.

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Quick Reference – Match Snapshot

Element	Detail
Date	20 Dec 2025
Kick‑off	19:00 GMT (20:00 local)
Venue	Stade Alphonse Massemba‑Débat, Brazzaville
Teams	Ivory Coast (Defending Champions) vs Mozambique
Group	F
Broadcast	SuperSport, Eurosport, ESPN+, AFCON 2025 app
Ticket	$30 - $120 (GA to VIP)
Key Players	zaha, Kessié, Pépé (Côte d’Ivoire); Mirete, Galhardo (Mozambique)
Stakes	Top spot for Ivory Coast; knockout chance for Mozambique

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All data reflects information available up to 24 December 2025.