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Ivory Coast vsMozambique.                 Today, Wednesday, December 24, 2025, the defending champions Ivory Coast begin their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) journey in Morocco against Mozambique. This is a high-stakes opener for “The Elephants” as they seek to become the first team to defend the title since Egypt in 2010.Match LogisticsKick-off Time: 5:30 PM GMT (6:30 PM local time / 12:30 PM ET).Venue: Grand Stadium of Marrakech (Stade de Marrakech), Morocco.Competition: AFCON 2025 – Group F (includes Cameroon and Gabon).Team News & Squad UpdatesIvory Coast (The Elephants)Major Absence: Star striker Sébastien Haller is out of the tournament due to a late hamstring injury sustained while playing for FC Utrecht.The Replacement: Aston Villa’s Evann Guessand has been called up to replace Haller and is expected to lead the line.Returnees: Wilfried Zaha returns to the squad, providing veteran experience alongside breakout star Amad Diallo (Manchester United) and Oumar Diakité.Midfield Core: Led by captain Franck Kessié, with Seko Fofana and Ibrahim Sangaré providing one of the most physical midfields in the tournament.Mozambique (The Mambas)Injury Blow: Veteran midfielder Pepo was ruled out shortly before the tournament with a knee injury.Veteran Presence: 42-year-old winger Dominguês is in the squad; if he plays, he will be the second-oldest player in AFCON history.Key Defensive Pillars: Reinildo Mandava (Sunderland/Atletico Madrid) and Mexer are tasked with containing the Ivorian attack.Probable LineupsPosition Ivory Coast (4-3-3) Mozambique (4-2-3-1)Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana Ernan SiluaneDefense Agbadou, Ndicka, Konan, G. Doué Langa, Mandava, Mexer, MatolaMidfield Kessié, Sangaré, S. Fofana Amade, Kambala, DominguêsAttack Amad, Guessand, Diakité Catamo, Witi, RatifoHistorical Context & OddsHead-to-Head: Ivory Coast is unbeaten in 7 meetings with Mozambique (5 Wins, 2 Draws).Tournament Record: Mozambique has qualified for back-to-back AFCONs for the first time but has never won a match at the finals in five previous attempts.Prediction: Ivory Coast is a heavy favorite, with most analysts predicting a 2-0 or 3-0 victory for the champions.Where to WatchUK: Live on 4seven and streaming on Channel 4 Sport’s YouTube or the Channel 4 App.USA: Live on beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS Xtra (available on YouTube).India: Streaming on FanCode.South Africa: SuperSport Football.Would you like me to keep an eye on the score for you once the match starts at 5:30 PM GMT?

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Ivory Coast vs Mozambique: AFCON 2025 Group F Opener

This match is the opening game for both teams in Group F of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted in Morocco. It is scheduled for December 24, 2025, at the Grand Stade de Marrakech (also known as Stade de Marrakech), with kick-off at approximately 5:30 PM GMT (12:30 PM ET / 6:30 PM local time).
Context and Importance
Ivory Coast (nicknamed the Elephants) are the defending champions, having won the 2023 AFCON dramatically on home soil (beating Nigeria in the final). They are one of the tournament favorites, boasting a star-studded squad with players from top European clubs.
Mozambique (nicknamed Os Mambas) are appearing in back-to-back AFCON finals for the first time, having qualified by finishing second in their group behind Mali. However, they have never advanced beyond the group stage in previous appearances and are considered underdogs here.

Group F also includes Cameroon and Gabon, making a strong start crucial for both sides.
Head-to-Head History
Ivory Coast dominate the rivalry:
Played: 7 competitive matches
Ivory Coast wins: 5
Draws: 2
Mozambique wins: 0
Goals: Ivory Coast 13–2 Mozambique Recent encounters (2022 World Cup qualifiers):
Ivory Coast 3–0 Mozambique (2021)
Mozambique 0–0 Ivory Coast (2021)
Team News and Key Players
Ivory Coast: Missing star striker Sébastien Haller (injury; replaced by Evann Guessand from Aston Villa). Expected to feature talents like Franck Kessié (captain, midfield), Amad Diallo (Manchester United), Wilfried Zaha, Evan Ndicka, and Odilon Kossounou. Coach Emerse Faé aims for a controlled, attacking performance.

Mozambique: Without influential midfielder Pepo (knee injury). Rely on Geny Catamo (Sporting Lisbon, in good form) and Reinildo Mandava (Sunderland) for threats, likely focusing on defensive discipline and counter-attacks under coach Chiquinho Conde.
Predictions and Expectations
Ivory Coast are heavy favorites (odds around -330 to win), expected to control possession and exploit wide areas. Mozambique will likely sit deep and seek transitions. Most previews predict a comfortable Ivory Coast victory, possibly with a clean sheet, though Mozambique’s organization could keep it competitive early on.
This should be an entertaining start to the defending champions’ title defense! If you’re looking for live updates or specific aspects (e.g., lineups closer to kick-off), let me know.

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