Côte d’Ivoire kick off the defense of their continental crown this Wednesday in Marrakech against Mozambique, on Matchday 1 of Group F at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. As reigning African champions, the Elephants are under close scrutiny in a competition where retaining the title has proven almost impossible.

Côte d’Ivoire and the Champion’s Curse

Crowned champions at the previous edition, Côte d’Ivoire approach AFCON 2025 with a special status—and very real pressure. No defending champion has successfully retained the trophy since Egypt in 2010, a constant reminder of the level of difficulty awaiting Emerse Faé’s men. The objective is clear: avoid a false start and steer clear of a repeat of the 2017 scenario, when the Elephants were eliminated in the group stage after lifting the trophy in 2015.

From a sporting perspective, however, the signs are encouraging. Côte d’Ivoire are enjoying a solid run of form, with just one defeat in their last seven international matches (five wins, one draw). This sequence also secured their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Enough reasons to approach this opening fixture with confidence—though without complacency.

Mozambique, Fearless Outsiders

Mozambique, for their part, arrive as outsiders with little pressure on their shoulders. The Mambas are competing in only their sixth AFCON final phase and have never progressed beyond the group stage. Their tournament record is modest, with no victories to date (four draws, eleven defeats), and a mixed preparation marked by three winless matches (one draw, two losses).

Yet the Mozambicans have shown they can be stubborn on the continental stage. Their spectacular 2–2 draw against Egypt at the last AFCON remains a reminder of their ability to upset the odds. Against Côte d’Ivoire, they will rely on unity and commitment in hopes of springing a surprise.

A Favorable Head-to-Head for the Elephants

History clearly favors Côte d’Ivoire. The Elephants are unbeaten in seven encounters with Mozambique (five wins, two draws). However, it is worth noting that those two draws came in the last three meetings, suggesting the gap may be narrowing.

In what promises to be a competitive Group F, this opening clash in Marrakech could already prove decisive in the race for qualification. For Côte d’Ivoire, the task is to assert their status and lay the foundations for another ambitious campaign. For Mozambique, the aim will be to resist—and once again believe in a possible upset.