AFRICA’s football heavyweights wasted little time asserting their credentials at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as Ivory Coast, Algeria and Cameroon all recorded victories in their opening group matches on Wednesday, sending an early warning to rivals across the continent.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that in Marrakesh, defending champions Ivory Coast began their title defence with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mozambique, thanks to a second-half strike from Manchester United winger Amad Diallo.
Diallo found the decisive breakthrough in the 49th minute of the Group F encounter, finishing off sustained pressure from the Elephants, who dominated possession and territory against opponents ranked 60 places below them in the world rankings.
Ivory Coast, chasing history as they aim to become the first team since Egypt in 2010 to successfully defend the AFCON crown, created several first-half chances but were repeatedly frustrated by resolute Mozambican defending and inspired goalkeeping from Ernan Siluane.
Teenage sensation Yan Diomande was a constant menace, dribbling past defenders and narrowly missing the opener with a looping effort that Siluane tipped over the bar. The 19-year-old, who recently scored a Bundesliga hat-trick for RB Leipzig, also caused concern when he fell awkwardly and required medical attention before continuing with a protective mask.
Captain Franck Kessie came closest before the break, only for Siluane to make a crucial close-range save, while defender Ghislain Konan squandered a golden opportunity from inside the box.
Mozambique briefly threatened through veteran winger Elias ‘Domingues’ Pelembe, who came on at the age of 42, becoming the second-oldest player in AFCON history after Egypt legend Essam El Hadary.
The victory puts Ivory Coast in a strong position ahead of tougher Group F clashes against Cameroon and Gabon.
In Rabat, Riyad Mahrez delivered a captain’s performance as Algeria opened their Group E campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over 10-man Sudan.
Mahrez struck after just 82 seconds, sending the predominantly Algerian crowd of 16,115 into raptures, before adding his second shortly after the hour mark. Ibrahim Maza sealed the result late on as the 2019 champions underlined their intent.
The match also attracted star power in the stands, with France legend Zinedine Zidane watching on. His appearance on the stadium screens sparked huge cheers from Algerian supporters, given his family roots in the country and the presence of his son Luca Zidane in goal for the Desert Foxes.
“I am happy to have got the three points,” Mahrez said afterwards. “It is a long time since we did that at the AFCON. But this is just one match, we need to stay focused.”
Meanwhile in Agadir, five-time champions Cameroon secured a vital 1-0 win over Gabon in a fiercely contested Group F clash.
The Indomitable Lions struck early, with Karl Etta Eyong finishing calmly inside the box after a perfectly weighted pass from Bryan Mbeumo, a goal later confirmed by VAR.
Gabon responded by throwing on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang earlier than expected, despite fitness concerns, but were denied an equaliser by an outstanding save from Cameroonian goalkeeper Devis Epassy.
Substitute Frank Magri came close to doubling Cameroon’s lead late on, rattling the crossbar with a header.
The opening round of matches has set the tone for an absorbing tournament, with traditional powers showing early strength and star players delivering decisive moments.
Ivory Coast now face Cameroon in a heavyweight Group F showdown in Marrakesh, while Gabon meet Mozambique. Algeria continue their Group E campaign with confidence high after a dominant start.
As AFCON 2025 gathers momentum, Africa’s giants have made it clear: the road to the trophy will go through them.