Ivory Coast vs Mozambique: Can The Elephants Carry The Weight of History?
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Ivory Coast: The reigning champions are aiming for maximum points
Ivory Coast is the defending champion of the Africa Cup of Nations. In other words, this means they'll get everyone's best shot in this competition. Out of the 24 teams participating in the 35th edition of Africa's most decorated competition, 12 are previous winners, highlighting the tough challenge that awaits them.
Focus levels will definitely be at a high for the West African side, with their priorities set on avoiding embarrassment. To avert such a fiasco from happening, Coast needs to register its first three points of the tournament against Mozambique. Check out what our experts have to say in our Ivory Coast vs Mozambique prediction for more insights on the match.
For them, the Southern African nation should be an easy opponent to overcome, especially considering they've maintained a seven-match unbeaten run. Five of those matches ended in their favor, with the remaining two resulting in draws.
History beckons for the Elephants
Ivory Coast showcased its resilience in the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 and managed to go all the way to being crowned champions. This was done under the current management of Emerse Fae, who at that time was making his debut as head coach for the senior national team.
The last time the Elephants had achieved such a feat was in 2015, when they defeated Ghana 9-8 on penalties to lift their second trophy.
Fast forward to the present, Emerse Fae's men are on the verge of etching their name in history books. Another deep run and success in this competition could see them become the second nation to retain the Africa Cup of Nations title. The first team to achieve this was Egypt, a seven-time champion, in 2010.
Mozambique: The Mambas enter this tournament with self-belief
Mozambique is aware that the road will be hard in their bid to progress beyond the group stages of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in history, which is why they enter this competition with grounded conviction.
The Mambas are making their sixth AFCON appearance and are playing in back-to-back finals after suffering an early exit in the group stages of the 2023 edition.
Truth be told, their run in this tournament has been appalling. Chiquinho Conde's side is winless in their last 15 matches in this tournament, recording 11 losses and four draws.
Facing Ivory Coast is no small feat, having lost their last two AFCON matches without scoring a single goal, highlighting their lack of attacking output. However, their last meeting was nearly three decades ago.
Is Geny Catamo the answer to Mozambique's lacking attack?
Head coach Chiquinho Conde has opted to blend youth and experience in the 25-man squad that'll represent their nation in the AFCON finals. At 42 years old, the veteran winger Domingues has been included in the squad and is expected to maintain his midfield role.
Attention won't be on him, but on Geny Catamo, who is making huge strides for the senior national team. The 24-year-old is currently situated in Portugal and plays for giants Sporting Lisbon. He has not been in his best form this season, with two goals scored in 12 games for the club.
However, the youngster should not be undermined, especially when playing for his national team. He is the team's focal point of attack and is the second top goal scorer (13 goals in 38 app.) behind Domingues' 14. Notably, he is also the top scorer in AFCON along with Clesio Bauque, Fumo, Avelino Kepe, Reinildo Mandava, Miro, Witi, and Tico-Tico.
This is a versatile player who can adapt to any role given to him. His fast pace and effective 1v1 take-ons could prove vital in the team's success in this competition.
