Ivory Coast – Mozambique: the champions kick off 
Ivory Coast start their title defence on Wednesday 24 December at the Grand Stade de Marrakech against Mozambique, in Group F alongside Cameroon and Gabon. First match matters — set the tone for another serious run in Morocco.
Ivory Coast — past winners, now the hunted 
They were crowned African champions at home last time. Now they carry a target. That win over Nigeria thrust them back into the spotlight and woke up a squad that’s now one of the continent’s references.
Prep’s been tidy. They’ve conceded few, looked solid, and kept a reassuring buzz despite a blip against Saudi Arabia. Heavy wins in World Cup qualifying — the Seychelles for example — have bolstered a well-drilled collective.
Haller’s absence changes the script. The striker who turned up in the last AFCON isn’t here. But Emerse Faé still has credible attacking options — Evann Guessand’s been called up — and the midfield still revolves around Franck Kessié.
Mozambique: here to upset the order 
Mozambique arrive with little pressure and a clear itch to step up. Back-to-back finals qualifications have made the Mambas consistent — now they want tangible results. They haven’t managed that yet.
Form’s been patchy. Encouraging wins, sure. But defensive issues show up against more organised sides. Against the title holder there’s no room for error from the first whistle.
Chiquinho Conde mixes experience and youth. Forty-two-year-old Dominguez is the continuity figure. Mexer and Reinildo bring stability and leadership. Disciplined squad. Limited, though, when the opposition turns up the power.
Absences, but certainties
Ivory Coast will be without Haller, Simon Adingra or Nicolas Pépé. Selections made on form and a desire for collective balance. Jean-Michaël Seri’s return adds welcome experience in midfield.
For Mozambique, missing Pepo is a real blow, as is Clésio Bauque’s absence. The attack will lean on Geny Catamo, backed by Ratifo and Witi to provide pace and penetration.
Probable lineups
Ivory Coast : Fofana – Konan, Agbadou, Ndicka, Kossounou – Fofana, Kessié, Sangaré – Y. Diomande, Diallo, Guessand
Mozambique : Ernani – Dove, Mexer, Reinildo, Nanani, Langa – Guima, Amade – Witi, Catamo, Ratifo
To watch
- Ivory Coast’s ability to handle being the team to beat.
- Mozambique’s defensive resilience against heavy pressure.
- How the Ivorian midfield controls the tempo.
- Attacking efficiency without Haller.
Football Prediction Ivory Coast vs Mozambique
Ivory Coast to win by at least two goals
Everything points to a controlled start for the holders. Better on paper. Solid together. Riding a positive wave. The Elephants should impose the tempo and kick off with a convincing win.
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