Dhaka, Dec. 26 -- Manchester United forward Amad Diallo's composed strike gave holders Ivory Coast victory over Mozambique in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group F opener in Marrakech.

The Elephants, aiming to become the first defending champions since Egypt in 2010 to retain the title, squandered a succession of first-half chances against opponents ranked 60 places below them at 102nd in Fifa's rankings.

Amad provided relief for Emerse Fae's side four minutes after the restart, capitalising on static defending to meet Franck Kessie's knockdown with a cool low finish that arrowed between Sunderland defender Reinildo's legs on its way in.

Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan was busy before the break, acrobatically tipping Yan Diomand...