Côte d'Ivoire vs Mozambique Prediction & Picks - AFCON
Africa - AFCON
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by Erik Gibbs | in AFCON Picks
Ivory Coast and Mozambique enter their Africa Cup of Nations group-stage encounter this Wednesday with very different recent trajectories as they prepare to meet. Ivory Coast arrive as the defending champions and have produced a strong run of results in the build-up to the tournament. Over the past month, the Elephants secured convincing victories, including a comfortable 3-0 win over Kenya and a routine 2-0 friendly success against Oman.
Those results followed an emphatic 7-0 victory earlier in the qualification cycle and confirmed Ivory Coast's momentum heading into AFCON. Importantly, they have not lost a competitive match in over a year, underlining their consistency at international level. Mozambique's recent results have been far less encouraging. The Mambas suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Angola in a friendly played within the past week, a match that exposed defensive weaknesses.
That loss continued a difficult run that has seen Mozambique record only two wins across their last eight matches. While they did secure a handful of positive results during qualification, their recent fixtures have been marked by inconsistency and defensive vulnerability. Historically, this matchup favors Ivory Coast, who remain unbeaten against Mozambique across all previous meetings, recording multiple wins and a handful of draws.
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Côte d'Ivoire vs Mozambique Form
Table
| Teams | Pts | P | W | D | L | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
7 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | +2 |
|
3
|
3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -1 |
Côte d'Ivoire and Mozambique Latest Matches
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Nov 18, 2025 - International Friendlies
Nov 14, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 14, 2025 - World Cup
Oct 10, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 9, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 5, 2025 - World Cup
6/6 (100%)
0/6 (0%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Oct 14, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 5, 2025 - World Cup
Mar 24, 2025 - World Cup
Nov 19, 2024 - AFCON
Oct 11, 2024 - AFCON
Sep 6, 2024 - AFCON
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Nov 18, 2025 - International Friendlies
Nov 14, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 10, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 9, 2025 - World Cup
Jun 10, 2025 - International Friendlies
Jun 7, 2025 - International Friendlies
2/6 (33%)
1/6 (17%)
3/6 (50%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Dec 17, 2025 - International Friendlies
Nov 17, 2025 - International Friendlies
Nov 14, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 14, 2025 - World Cup
Oct 9, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 8, 2025 - World Cup
2/6 (33%)
1/6 (17%)
3/6 (50%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Oct 9, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 8, 2025 - World Cup
Jun 10, 2025 - COSAFA Cup
Jun 7, 2025 - COSAFA Cup
Mar 20, 2025 - World Cup
Nov 15, 2024 - AFCON
2/6 (33%)
1/6 (17%)
3/6 (50%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Dec 17, 2025 - International Friendlies
Nov 17, 2025 - International Friendlies
Nov 14, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 14, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 5, 2025 - World Cup
Jun 4, 2025 - COSAFA Cup
Côte d'Ivoire against Mozambique : Head to Head (H2H)
50 %
50 %
0 %
Average stats (last H2H results)
Nov 13, 2021 - World Cup
Sep 3, 2021 - World Cup
Côte d'Ivoire - Mozambique: Form Analysis
Ivory Coast's current team form reflects a side that is confident, balanced, and well-drilled. Under head coach Emerse Faé, the Elephants have developed a disciplined defensive structure combined with quick transitions in attack. Their recent performances have been particularly notable for defensive solidity, with the team conceding very few goals across recent matches. Ivory Coast have shown an ability to control games through midfield while exploiting space out wide, especially against weaker opposition. Their overall form suggests a team comfortable managing matches from the front and capable of increasing intensity when required.
Mozambique's current form is far more fragile.
The team has struggled to string together positive performances and has found it difficult to maintain defensive shape against stronger opponents. While they have shown moments of competitiveness, especially in qualifying matches earlier in the year, recent performances suggest a side that can be stretched and exposed when faced with sustained pressure. Mozambique are likely to approach this match cautiously, focusing on containment rather than expansive play, given their recent struggles.
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Côte d'Ivoire against Mozambique Lineups: Starting 11
Formation : 4 - 3 - 3
Formation : 4 - 3 - 3
Substitutes
M. Kone
A. Lafont
DefenderC. Operi
E. Agbadou
A. Zohouri
O. Diomande
W. Boly
MidfielderC. Inao Oulai
J. Gbamin
S. Fofana
B. Toure
E. Guessand
J. Krasso
O. Diakite
V. Bayo
I. Urrubal
K. Zavala
DefenderInfren
E. Dove
MidfielderF. Jone
Chamboco
S. Nangy
J. Bonde
K. Abdala
F. Bangal
C. Bauque
G. Vilanculos
O. Oscar
M. Alexandre Garcia
A. Cantolo
Domingues
Chamito
Côte d'Ivoire & Mozambique Squad Analysis
Ivory Coast have experienced one notable change ahead of the match. Striker Sébastien Haller has been ruled out due to injury and will not feature in the upcoming game. His absence has led to the inclusion of Evann Guessand, who adds depth to the attacking options. Wilfried Zaha has also returned to the national setup after a lengthy absence, providing additional creativity and experience on the wing.
Midfielder Franck Kessié remains a central figure in the squad and is expected to captain the side, bringing leadership and physical presence in midfield.
Ivory Coast's squad includes several players competing at top European levels, offering depth across all positions. Defensively, young players have blended well with experienced figures, ensuring continuity despite rotation.
Mozambique, meanwhile, report no major injury absences ahead of the fixture. Defender Reinildo Mandava remains the cornerstone of their back line and provides leadership and top-level experience. Attacking responsibility will largely fall to Geny Catamo, whose club form has been a bright spot in recent months, while Domingues offers experience and composure in midfield. Mozambique's goalkeeper remains settled, with continuity expected between the posts. Overall, Mozambique's squad is intact but lacks the depth and elite-level experience found in the Ivory Coast lineup.
Most goals and assists
Côte d'Ivoire
Mozambique
A. Diallo
(3 Goals)
G. Catamo
(2 Goals)
C. Operi
(2 Assists)
W. Quembo
(1 Assists)
,
G. Catamo
(1 Assists)
,
Infren
(1 Assists)
Côte d'Ivoire - Mozambique Key Points
- The Over is 4-1 in Mozambique's last 5 games
- The Over is 2-3 in Ivory Coast's last 5 games
- Mozambique are 3-2 ATS in their last 5 games
- Ivory Coast are 2-3 ATS in their last 5 games
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Our Côte d'Ivoire vs Mozambique Prediction
Ivory Coast's strengths in this matchup are clear. They possess superior squad depth, defensive organization, and attacking variety. Their ability to dominate possession, apply pressure through wide areas, and capitalize on set pieces gives them multiple avenues to goal. As reigning AFCON champions, they also bring valuable tournament experience and composure in high-pressure situations.
Mozambique's strengths are rooted in resilience and defensive effort. They will aim to stay compact, disrupt Ivory Coast's rhythm, and exploit counterattacking opportunities when possible. However, Mozambique's weaknesses include limited attacking output and difficulty sustaining defensive discipline against top-tier opponents. Head-to-head history further reinforces Ivory Coast's advantage, as they have never lost to Mozambique and have previously secured comfortable victories in this fixture. Ivory Coast enter the match with a clear edge and are widely expected to control proceedings. Our prediction for Ivory Coast vs. Mozambique: Over 2.5 goals.
Côte d'Ivoire vs Mozambique - Other Interesting Picks
Vakoun Bayo to have over 0.5 assists
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