Holders Ivory Coast beat Mozambique to open AFCON defence

Holders Ivory Coast beat Mozambique 1-0 to start their Africa Cup of Nations defence with calm control and quiet authority in Marrakech.Emerse Fae’s side kept the ball, set the tempo and limited danger, turning steady pressure into a lead early in the second half.The breakthrough arrived on 49 minutes when Amad Diallo reacted quickest to Franck Kessie’s knock down and guided a low finish into the bottom left corner. It was a simple moment built from patience and timing, the kind champions rely on.Ivory Coast could have been ahead earlier. Yan Diomande had a penalty appeal waved away, while Ghislain Konan dragged a shot wide after a sharp run from Amad on the right. Kessie was then denied by a scrambling Ernan Siluane before heading another chance off target.Vakoun Bayo later missed with a header and saw a follow up cleared by Guima in heavy rain. Mozambique pushed more men forward but Ivory Coast remained solid at the back.The result lifts Ivory Coast clear in Group F with Cameroon and Gabon waiting next. They face Cameroon on December 28 at the Stade de Marrakech for a tougher test.