Defending champions Ivory Coast launch their title defence in the Africa Cup of Nations group stage against Mozambique, the lowest-ranked team in Group F. This opening fixture offers the Elephants a strong opportunity to secure three points against an opponent they have dominated historically.
The match kicks off at 17:30 GMT+0 on December 24, 2025, at the Stade de Marrakech (Grand Stade de Marrakech) in Marrakech, Morocco, with a capacity of 45,240. Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal will officiate the encounter in this crucial Group F opener of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
As the reigning AFCON holders face a Mozambique side yet to win a finals match, this clash presents clear favourites in the Elephants. Recent form heavily favours Ivory Coast, who arrive with momentum from World Cup qualification and friendlies.
Mozambique’s defensive vulnerabilities in past tournaments could be exposed early. For those seeking value in the Ivory Coast vs Mozambique prediction today, focus on the hosts’ attacking efficiency and Mozambique’s tendency to concede multiple goals.
Historical dominance and current squad quality suggest a one-sided affair, with Ivory Coast likely to control possession and create high-quality chances.
Ivory Coast Results
Ivory Coast enter the tournament in solid form, having secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup while maintaining defensive solidity in recent outings. The Elephants have kept clean sheets in most of their 2025 matches, showcasing organised defending and clinical finishing against weaker opposition.
Their preparation included convincing wins over lower-ranked sides, demonstrating depth even without some key players.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 18.11.2025 | Friendly | Oman vs Ivory Coast | 0-2 | W |
| 14.11.2025 | Friendly | Saudi Arabia vs Ivory Coast | 1-0 | L |
| 14.10.2025 | WC Qual. | Ivory Coast vs Kenya | 3-0 | W |
| 10.10.2025 | WC Qual. | Seychelles vs Ivory Coast | 0-7 | W |
| 09.09.2025 | WC Qual. | Gabon vs Ivory Coast | 0-0 | D |
Ivory Coast have won four of their last six internationals in 2025, scoring heavily against weaker teams while conceding just once in victories. Defensive resilience stands out, with no goals allowed in ten matches across the year when avoiding both teams to score. The heavy win over Seychelles highlights their ability to exploit mismatches, a pattern likely to repeat here.
Recent clean sheets in competitive games underline a balanced side capable of dominating possession. The lone defeat came against stronger opposition, but rebounds were emphatic.
Mozambique Results
Mozambique qualified for their sixth AFCON finals but arrive with poor recent results, struggling in warm-up games and qualifiers. As perennial group stage exit candidates, the Mambas have shown defensive frailties, particularly in tournament play.
Their form suggests difficulty containing higher-quality attacks.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 17.12.2025 | Friendly | Angola vs Mozambique | 4-1 | L |
| 17.11.2025 | Friendly | Chad vs Mozambique | 2-2 | D |
| 14.11.2025 | Friendly | Morocco vs Mozambique | 1-0 | L |
| 14.10.2025 | WC Qual. | Somalia vs Mozambique | 0-1 | W |
| 09.10.2025 | WC Qual. | Mozambique vs Guinea | 1-2 | L |
Mozambique have won just two of their last nine internationals, with heavy defeats in friendlies against stronger sides. Conceding first in four of the last five matches exposes early vulnerabilities. The win over Somalia was narrow, while losses often involved multiple goals against.
Defensive issues persist, having shipped 2+ goals in all previous ten AFCON finals games. Recent draws and narrow victories show resilience but lack cutting edge against top opposition.
Ivory Coast vs Mozambique Head-to-Head
Ivory Coast hold a perfect unbeaten record against Mozambique across seven encounters, winning five and drawing two. Recent meetings have seen tighter scores, but the Elephants still prevail, especially in competitive fixtures.
The last three included two draws, but overall dominance remains clear.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 13.11.2021 | WC Qual. | Ivory Coast vs Mozambique | 3-0 |
| 03.09.2021 | WC Qual. | Mozambique vs Ivory Coast | 0-0 |
| 07.09.2008 | WC Qual. | Mozambique vs Ivory Coast | 1-1 |
| 01.06.2008 | WC Qual. | Ivory Coast vs Mozambique | 1-0 |
| 21.01.1996 | ACN | Ivory Coast vs Mozambique | 1-0 |
Ivory Coast’s superiority in direct matchups is evident, with Mozambique failing to win any encounter. Clean sheets in most victories highlight defensive control. Draws came on Mozambique’s home soil or in qualifiers, but AFCON meetings favour the Elephants decisively.
Ivory Coast vs Mozambique Predicted Starting Lineups
Lineups are subject to last-minute changes due to tactical decisions, fitness concerns, or late injuries. The following are the most likely starting XIs based on recent national team selections, player form, and reports ahead of this AFCON Group F opener. Official confirmations typically come one hour before kick-off.
Ivory Coast possible starting lineup
Yahia Fofana (GK). Ghislain Konan (DF), Ousmane Diomande (DF), Odilon Kossounou (DF), Wilfried Singo (DF). Franck Kessié (MF), Jean-Michaël Seri (MF), Seko Fofana (MF), Amad Diallo (FW), Jean-Philippe Krasso (FW), Désiré Doué (FW)
Mozambique possible starting lineup
Ernan Siluane (GK), Bruno Langa (DF), Reinildo Mandava (DF), Edmilson Dove (DF), Mexer (DF), Amadú (MF), Guima (MF), Geny Catamo (MF), Domingues (MF), Witi (FW), Clésio Bauque (FW)
Key Factors and Team News
With the match approaching, several elements could influence the outcome beyond form and history. Ivory Coast’s squad depth mitigates absences, while Mozambique rely on organisation to frustrate.
Current dynamics point to a controlled performance from the holders.
- Sébastien Haller is a major absentee for Ivory Coast due to hamstring injury, robbing them of a proven goalscorer;
- Mozambique miss influential midfielder Pepo through injury, weakening their midfield creativity;
- Ivory Coast boast strong recent form, losing just one of seven internationals.
- Mozambique have no AFCON finals wins in 15 games (D4 L11);
- Five of Ivory Coast’s last six games saw an early goal before the 10th minute.
- Mozambique conceded 2+ goals in all ten previous AFCON finals matches;
- Jean-Philippe Krasso could be key for Ivory Coast, with his goals often leading to comfortable wins;
- Witi remains a threat for Mozambique on counters, frequently scoring equalisers;
- No both teams to score in Ivory Coast’s ten 2025 games, highlighting defensive strength;
- Neutral venue in Marrakech may slightly reduce home advantage, but Ivory Coast’s quality prevails.
Free Tips on Ivory Coast vs Mozambique
Drawing from the statistical trends in recent form, head-to-head data, and match-specific conditions, these free tips highlight value bets for the AFCON Group F opener. Ivory Coast’s dominance in low-scoring H2H encounters (average 1.5 goals across 4 meetings) combined with their 2025 clean sheet streak meets Mozambique’s concession patterns. Referee and venue factors add edges for informed punters.
- Prioritize Ivory Coast clean sheets: No BTTS in their last 10 internationals and 4/5 H2H shutouts back No BTTS given Mozambique’s 0 AFCON wins and scoring droughts.
- Account for referee Mustapha Ghorbal’s card-heavy style: Averages 3.90 yellows per game (687 in 176 matches); consider Over 3.5 cards in a physical opener with title stakes.
- Factor neutral pitch conditions: Stade de Marrakech’s natural grass hybrid favors Ivory Coast’s technical style over Mozambique’s counters, reducing away upset risk.
- Leverage Group F motivation dynamics: As holders facing Cameroon/Gabon later, Ivory Coast needs maximum points early edge on -1.5 handicap despite Haller’s absence.
- Monitor mild December weather in Marrakech: Typical 18-20°C dry conditions suit high-tempo play, boosting Ivory Coast’s early goal trend (5/6 before 10th minute).
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Ivory Coast vs Mozambique Match Prediction
Ivory Coast enter as overwhelming favourites to start their defence with a victory, given superior squad quality, form, and head-to-head record. Despite Haller’s absence, players like Krasso and emerging talents provide firepower, while Mozambique’s historical defensive issues in AFCON suggest vulnerability.
The Elephants’ clean sheet trend and ability to score early point to a comfortable win, potentially with over 2.5 goals if exploiting spaces. Ivory Coast vs Mozambique odds reflect this dominance, with value on the hosts covering a -1.5 handicap or team totals over 2.
Expect Ivory Coast to control proceedings, limiting Mozambique to counters while converting chances efficiently. A 2-0 or 3-0 scoreline aligns with patterns, offering a solid foundation in a tough group featuring Cameroon and Gabon.
Our Prediction: Ivory Coast 3-0 Mozambique
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Outcome | Ivory Coast Win | 1.36 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 | 2.04 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 1.5 |
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