AFCON 2025 Matchday 1 Preview & Predictions

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Ivory Coast vs Mozambique Predictions - Ivory Coast to dominate Mozambique in AFCON clash

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 23 Dec 2025

John Eastwood 23 Dec 2025

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Ivory Coast expected to win against Mozambique to nil.
Mozambique shows inconsistency despite potential.
Ivory Coast favored with a -2 goal handicap.

Expired

Ivory Coast can take all three points in AFCON opener (Getty Images)

Ivory Coast vs Mozambique Predictions

Mozambique have the ability to make life tough for the Ivory Coast but they are not consistent at all. I am banking on an Ivory Coast win to nil with the -2 handicap in play.

Ivory Coast vs Mozambique Predictions
Head to Head
Ivory Coast Form
Ivory Coast Squad
Mozambique Form
Mozambique Squad

Ivory Coast have won 4 of their last 6 matches.
Ivory Coast have kept 6 clean sheets in their last 7 matches.
Ivory Coast have scored 11 goals in their last 3 matches.
Mozambique have lost 3 of their last 5 matches.
Mozambique lost their last match 4-1 to Angola.

Head to Head

Ivory Coast have won two of their four matches against Mozambique with the one two ending in a draw.

Ivory Coast Form

Ivory Coast will be in high spirits after securing their place at next year’s FIFA World Cup. However, their performances on the African continent need to improve after a few inconsistent seasons.

Earlier this year, Ivory Coast went unbeaten in their final four World Cup qualifiers, winning three with one draw. They beat Burundi, drew 0-0 against Gabon, thrashed the Seychelles 7-0 and beat Kenya 3-0 in their final qualifier.

Since then, during November 2025, Ivory Coast played two friendlies, losing 1-0 to Saudi Arabia and beating Oman 2-0.

Ivory Coast Squad

Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana, Mohamed Kone, Alban Lafont

Defenders: Emmanuel Agbadou, Willy Boly, Ousmane Diomande, Guela Doue, Ghislain Konan, Odilon Kossounou, Evan Ndicka, Christopher Operi, Armel Zohouri

Midfielders: Seko Fofana, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Christ Inao Oulai, Franck Kessie, Ibrahim Sangare, Jean-Michael Seri

Forwards: Vakoun Bayo, Oumar Diakite, Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande, Sebastien Haller, Jean-Philippe Krasso, Bazoumana Toure, Wilfried Zaha

Mozambique Form

Mozambique were well off the pace during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers but their most realistic route to success is certainly at AFCON 2025. Over the last few years, Mozambique have proven themselves to be tough opponents, even of the best of sides.

In their final two qualifiers, Mozambique beat Botswana 2-0 and lost 2-1 to Guinea, an impressive result regardless of defeat. In three friendlies scattered through November and December, Mozambique have won one, drawn one and lost one.

A 1-0 defeat to AFCON hosts, Morocco was followed by a 2-2 draw against Chad, a game Mozambique really should have won. In their final friendly, Mozambique were thrashed 4-1 by Angola.

Mozambique Squad

Goalkeepers: Ernani Siluane, Ivane Urrubal, Kimiss Zavala

Defenders: Bruno Langa, Oscar Cherene, Edmilson Dove, Nanani, Feliciano Jone, Diogo Cabral, Reinildo Mandava, Mexer, Fernando Chambuco

Midfielders: Joao Bonde, Ricardo Guimaraes, Manuel Kambala, Keyns Abdala, Alfonso Amade

Forwards: Geny Catamo, Witness Quembo, Elias Pelembe, Chamito Alfandega, Stanley Ratifo, Faisal Bangal, Melque Alexandre, Gildo Vilanculos

Verdict

Ivory Coast v Mozambique

Ivory Coast should have the quality to win to nil and cover the -2 handicap.

Ivory Coast

Win to Nil

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Ivory Coast -2

Handicap

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Ivory Coast Win 3-0

Correct Score

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