Ivory Coast vs Mozambique Prediction: Ivory Coast will defeat Mozambique 3-0 in their AFCON 2025 Group F opener on December 24, 2025, as the defending champions possess superior squad quality, dominant head-to-head history with five wins in seven meetings, and recent form showing 13 goals scored with only one conceded in their last six competitive matches.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Africa Cup of Nations 2025 |
| Group | Group F |
| Date | Wednesday, December 24, 2025 |
| Venue | Grand Stadium of Marrakech, Morocco |
| Kick-off Time | TBD |
| Head-to-Head Record | Ivory Coast: 5 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses |
Key Facts
- Ivory Coast enters the tournament as defending champions after winning AFCON 2023 on home soil with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the final.
- The Elephants aim to become the first team to retain the AFCON title since Egypt accomplished this feat in 2010.
- Mozambique has never progressed beyond the group stage in five previous AFCON appearances.
- Ivory Coast holds a dominant head-to-head record with seven meetings producing five wins and two draws while scoring 13 goals and conceding only two.
- The Elephants recorded impressive World Cup qualifying results, including 9-0 and 7-0 victories against Seychelles.
- Mozambique qualified for back-to-back AFCON tournaments by finishing second in their qualifying group behind Mali.
- Ivory Coast’s recent form shows four wins, one draw, and one defeat in their last six competitive matches.
- Mozambique could feature 42-year-old winger Dominguez, who would become the second-oldest AFCON player in history.
On This Page
Match Preview
Ivory Coast begins their title defense campaign against Mozambique in what promises to be a challenging opener for the Mambas.
Emerse Fae’s squad carries significant momentum after their triumphant 2023 campaign, where they lifted their third continental crown.
The Elephants demonstrated exceptional form during World Cup qualification, scoring 25 goals without conceding any across their qualifying matches.
The defending champions enter this fixture with confidence built on recent performances.
Their preparation included a 2-0 friendly victory over Oman, though they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Saudi Arabia before that.
The team’s attacking prowess remains evident, having scored 13 goals while conceding just once in their final six competitive fixtures before the tournament.
Mozambique faces a formidable challenge against the reigning champions. Chiquinho Conde’s side qualified for their sixth AFCON appearance by finishing second behind Mali in their qualifying group.
The Mambas recorded two wins, one draw, and three defeats in their last six competitive matches, scoring seven goals and conceding nine.
Their recent form includes a 2-2 draw with Chad and a defeat to Morocco in November friendlies.
Predicted Ivory Coast vs Mozambique Lineups and Formation
Ivory Coast Expected Formation and Lineup: 4-3-3
The Elephants will likely deploy their preferred 4-3-3 system with Yahia Fofana in goal.
The defensive line features Ghislain Konan, Odilon Kossounou, Evan Ndicka, and Emmanuel Agbadou providing stability.
The midfield trio of Seko Fofana, Franck Kessie, and Ibrahim Sangare offers both defensive solidity and creative distribution.
The attacking trident includes Y. Diomande, Habib Diallo, and Evann Guessand leading the forward line.
Mozambique Expected Formation and Lineup: 4-2-3-1
Mozambique will likely adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation with Ernani between the posts.
The back four consists of Edmilson Dove, Mexer, Reinildo, and Bruno Langa, combining experience with defensive organization.
Guima and Alfons Amade anchor the midfield, while Witi, Geny Catamo, and Stanley Ratifo provide attacking width and creativity behind the lone striker.
Injury Report and Key Absences
Ivory Coast Injuries
The Elephants face a significant blow with the absence of striker Sebastien Haller, who suffered a hamstring injury while playing for FC Utrecht.
Haller played a crucial role during the 2023 tournament, and his absence removes a proven goal-scoring threat.
Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand has been called up as his replacement.
Simon Adingra, who emerged as a breakout star during the 2023 title-winning campaign, has been surprisingly omitted from the squad due to limited playing time and match-fitness concerns this season.
Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe also misses out for off-field reasons.
On a positive note, midfielder Jean-Michael Seri returns after recovering from a long injury lay-off, adding experience and leadership to the midfield options.
Mozambique Injuries
Mozambique suffers a major setback with the absence of influential midfielder Pepo, who will miss the entire tournament after suffering a severe knee injury shortly before the squad announcement.
His absence weakens the Mambas’ midfield creativity and ball retention capabilities.
Experienced winger Clesio Bauque has been omitted for technical reasons during the final selection process, reducing attacking depth.
These absences force Conde to rely heavily on his remaining attacking options, particularly Sporting Lisbon’s Geny Catamo.
Tactical Analysis
Ivory Coast’s tactical approach centers on controlling possession through their technically gifted midfield trio. Kessie provides the creative spark, while Sangare and Fofana offer defensive cover and ball progression.
The wide forwards cut inside to create shooting opportunities, exploiting spaces left by opposing full-backs.
The Elephants’ defensive organization remains solid, having conceded just once in their last six competitive matches.
Their high defensive line allows quick transitions from defense to attack, utilizing the pace of their forward players.
Mozambique will likely adopt a defensive approach, sitting deep in a compact 4-2-3-1 shape to limit Ivory Coast’s attacking space.
The Mambas will look to exploit counter-attacking opportunities through the pace of Catamo and Ratifo on the wings.
Their success depends on maintaining defensive discipline and capitalizing on set-piece situations.
Key Players to Watch
Ivory Coast:
Franck Kessie stands as the team’s midfield general, dictating tempo and providing both defensive stability and attacking impetus. His experience and leadership prove vital in tournament football.
Wilfried Zaha returns to the squad, bringing Premier League experience and individual brilliance. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one creates goal-scoring opportunities.
Mozambique:
Geny Catamo represents Mozambique’s primary attacking threat. The Sporting Lisbon forward possesses pace, technical ability, and finishing quality that could trouble Ivory Coast’s defense.
Reinildo brings Sunderland experience to the defensive line, providing organization and leadership at the back. His positioning and reading of the game will be crucial in containing Ivory Coast’s attacking threats.
Head-to-Head Analysis
The historical record heavily favors Ivory Coast. Across seven meetings in all competitions, the Elephants have never lost to Mozambique, winning five matches and drawing two.
The goal difference tells the story clearly: 13 goals scored and only two conceded.
Their most recent encounters occurred during the 2022 World Cup qualification campaign.
Ivory Coast secured a goalless draw away in Maputo before recording a convincing 3-0 home victory.
Earlier meetings include a 1-1 draw in September 2008 and a 1-0 Ivory Coast victory in June 2008, both during World Cup qualifying.
The 2021 World Cup qualifiers saw Ivory Coast dominate with a 3-0 victory in November 2021, followed by a goalless draw in September 2021.
The 1996 AFCON produced a 1-0 Ivory Coast win, while the 1986 tournament saw the Elephants triumph 3-0.
Current Standings
Group F Standings (Before Match):
All four teams begin on zero points:
- Cameroon – 0 points (0 matches)
- Gabon – 0 points (0 matches)
- Mozambique – 0 points (0 matches)
- Ivory Coast – 0 points (0 matches)
Where to Watch Live?
The match will be broadcast across multiple platforms globally. In India, FanCode holds streaming rights.
African viewers can watch through SuperSport Football Plus ROA, DStv Now, and AfroSport TV.
European audiences can access the match via beIN Sports 1 in France, DAZN in Germany and Austria, and Channel 4 in the United Kingdom.
North American fans can watch through beIN Sports Canada and beIN SPORTS in the United States.
Match Prediction
Ivory Coast enters this fixture as overwhelming favorites based on historical dominance, recent form, and squad quality.
Despite Haller’s absence, the Elephants possess sufficient attacking depth to overcome Mozambique’s defensive organization.
The defending champions’ defensive solidity, having conceded just once in six competitive matches, provides a strong foundation.
Mozambique’s lack of progression beyond the group stage in five previous tournaments highlights the challenge they face.
Their recent form shows vulnerability against stronger opposition, particularly the defeats to Guinea and Uganda in World Cup qualifying.
The tactical mismatch favors Ivory Coast. Their ability to control possession and create chances through multiple attacking channels should overwhelm Mozambique’s defensive structure.
The Mambas’ counter-attacking approach requires defensive discipline and clinical finishing, qualities they have struggled to demonstrate consistently.
Expected Result: Ivory Coast 3-0 Mozambique
The Elephants should secure a comfortable victory to launch their title defense campaign successfully.
Their superior quality, tactical organization, and historical dominance point toward a convincing win that establishes early momentum in Group F.
Read All Soccer Predictions.
FAQs
Where To Watch Ivory Coast vs Mozambique Live?
Fans can watch Ivory Coast vs Mozambique live on FanCode in India, beIN Sports 1 in France, Channel 4 in the United Kingdom, DAZN in Germany and Austria, SuperSport Football Plus ROA and DStv Now across Africa, and beIN SPORTS in the United States and Canada on December 24, 2025.
Who Will Win Ivory Coast vs Mozambique Match?
Ivory Coast will win the match against Mozambique because the defending AFCON champions have never lost to Mozambique in seven previous meetings, scored 25 goals without conceding in World Cup qualification, and possess superior squad depth despite missing injured striker Sebastien Haller.
What is Ivory Coast vs Mozambique Match Kick-Off Time?
The Ivory Coast vs Mozambique AFCON 2025 Group F match kicks off on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the Grand Stadium of Marrakech in Morocco, with specific kick-off times varying by broadcast region and timezone.
Are There Any Injuries in Ivory Coast vs Mozambique Match?
Ivory Coast will miss striker Sebastien Haller due to a hamstring injury and winger Simon Adingra due to match-fitness concerns, while Mozambique will play without influential midfielder Pepo who suffered a severe knee injury and experienced winger Clesio Bauque who was omitted for technical reasons.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Ivory Coast vs Mozambique Match?
The predicted score for Ivory Coast vs Mozambique is 3-0 in favor of Ivory Coast because the Elephants scored 13 goals while conceding only one in their last six competitive matches, defeated Mozambique 3-0 in their most recent competitive meeting in November 2021, and Mozambique has never progressed beyond the AFCON group stage in five previous tournament appearances.
Ivory Coast Standing with Points?
Ivory Coast currently has 0 points in Group F of AFCON 2025 before their opening match against Mozambique, as all four teams in the group including Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique, and Ivory Coast have not yet played any matches in the tournament.
Mozambique Standing With Points?
Mozambique currently has 0 points in Group F of AFCON 2025 before their opening match against Ivory Coast, as the tournament group stage has not yet begun and all teams start with zero points and zero matches played.