Diallo goal gives Ivory Coast winning AFCON start
Defending champions Ivory Coast opened their AFCON title defence with a 1–0 victory on Tuesday, as Amad Diallo scored the decisive goal to secure a winning start in their group opener. The match, played at a packed tournament venue, underlined the Elephants’ intent to retain their crown.
Diallo struck in the second half after sustained pressure, finishing confidently to break stubborn resistance and hand Ivory Coast early control of the group. The champions dominated possession and created the clearer chances, limiting their opponents to sporadic counter-attacks.
“It was important to start with a win,” Ivory Coast coach said after the final whistle. “The pressure is always there when you are champions, but the players stayed calm.”
Diallo echoed that view, adding: “Scoring for my country in a tournament like this is special. We want to go far again.”
The opposing coach admitted the fine margins, saying: “One mistake decided the game, but we’re still in the fight.”
The result sends Ivory Coast top of their group and sets the tone for another serious AFCON title push.