Ivory Coast and Mozambique meet in an Africa Cup of Nations tie on Wednesday 24th December 2025 at 17:30 GMT. Find predictions, stats and betting tips for the AFCON fixture below in this match preview.
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Africa Cup of Nations |
| Matchday | 1 |
| Date | Wednesday 24 December 2025 |
| Kick-off Time | 17:30 GMT |
| Venue | Marrakesh Stadium |
| Broadcast | Sky Sports / BBC Sport (UK) |
| Market | Prediction | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Result | Ivory Coast Win | ★★★★☆ |
| Correct Score | 2-0 Ivory Coast | ★★★☆☆ |
| Both Teams to Score | No | ★★★☆☆ |
| Over/Under 2.5 Goals | Under 2.5 | ★★★☆☆ |
Analysis: Côte d’Ivoire have a squad packed with attacking and defensive talent, including the likes of Sébastien Haller and Odilon Kossounou. Mozambique, while hard-working, lack the firepower to consistently trouble top-tier defences, and the head-to-head record shows the teams have not previously met in recent qualifiers. With Côte d’Ivoire’s defensive backbone, a clean sheet looks a strong possibility. The value here is enhanced by the generous odds, with Côte d’Ivoire’s superior squad depth and experience likely to prove decisive.
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Analysis: Haller has a proven record at both club and international level. With Côte d’Ivoire expected to dominate possession and create multiple chances, Haller is likely to be at the heart of their attacking efforts. His aerial threat and movement in the box make him a constant danger. Mozambique’s defence, lacking experience against elite strikers, could struggle to contain him. At 6/4, there’s solid value in backing Haller to get on the scoresheet.
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Côte d’Ivoire have previously demonstrated resilience and a strong defensive record, while Mozambique were inconsistent, struggling especially against higher-ranked opponents. The gap in squad depth and international pedigree is notable, even if both teams start on an even statistical footing this time.
Côte d’Ivoire are expected to play on the front foot, likely utilising a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation to maximise their attacking talent and press Mozambique high up the pitch. Key midfielders like Franck Kessié and Jean Michaël Seri will look to control possession and tempo, while Amad Diallo and Wilfried Zaha offer wide attacking threats. Mozambique, on the other hand, are likely to opt for a compact, counter-attacking setup, aiming to frustrate the hosts and strike on the break through players like Melque Garcia and Stanley Ratifo. The tactical battle will centre on whether Mozambique can absorb pressure and keep their defensive shape against the Ivorians’ varied attacking threats.
| Statistic | Côte d’Ivoire | Mozambique |
|---|---|---|
| League Position | N/A | N/A |
| Goals Scored | 0 | 0 |
| Goals Conceded | 0 | 0 |
| xG (Expected Goals) | N/A | N/A |
| xGA (Expected Goals Against) | N/A | N/A |
Sébastien Haller is Côte d’Ivoire’s focal point in attack and a player who could tip the balance in this AFCON tie. At club level, Haller has built a reputation for clinical finishing and intelligent movement. His international experience, combined with physicality and aerial prowess, makes him a consistent threat, especially against defences less used to handling top-level strikers. With Côte d’Ivoire likely to enjoy significant possession and create numerous chances, Haller is well placed to add to his goal tally and could be the difference-maker in this fixture.
Côte d’Ivoire are expected to make a strong start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, with their attacking firepower and defensive solidity setting them apart from Mozambique. The value lies in backing Côte d’Ivoire to win to nil and Sébastien Haller to get on the scoresheet, as the hosts look to assert their dominance early in the group. While Mozambique are likely to be disciplined and resilient, the quality gap should eventually show.
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