Côte d’Ivoire v Mozambique: Kessié Declares Elephants Ready to Defend AFCON Crown

The reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire will begin their Africa Cup of Nations title defense against Mozambique at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Wednesday evening, with captain Franck Kessié insisting the Elephants are fully prepared for the challenge ahead.

‘We are a team everyone wants to beat, and that brings extra pressure. But we’ve prepared technically, mentally and physically. We are ready on and off the pitch, and determined to defend our title,’ Kessié said.

The curtain rises on Morocco 2025 with Côte d’Ivoire looking to set the tone for their campaign against a determined Mambas side. Head coach Emerse Faé emphasized that his team’s confidence is rooted not in the trophy they carry but in the quality of their preparation.

‘Our confidence does not come from being defending champions. It comes from the journey we’ve taken and the work we’ve put in. The players are focused, committed and fully invested in the mission ahead,’ Faé explained.

Despite disruptions to their build-up, including the cancellation of two scheduled friendlies, Faé insisted adaptability is part of tournament football.

‘We had a long-term plan and, like all teams, we had to adapt. That will not be an excuse as we begin this competition,’ he said. The coach underlined the importance of balance, combining defensive solidity with attacking efficiency, as the Elephants aim to go deep into the tournament once again.

This Group F opener marks the third AFCON meeting between Côte d’Ivoire and Mozambique. The Elephants won both previous encounters, a 3-0 victory in 1986 with Aboulaye Traoré scoring twice, and a 1-0 win in 1996 courtesy of Joël Tiéhi. Overall, Côte d’Ivoire remain unbeaten in seven matches against Mozambique, with five wins and two draws.

Côte d’Ivoire enter the competition with a rich pedigree, making their 26th AFCON appearance and extending their record run of 11 successive qualifications.

They have reached four finals in the 21st century, second only to Egypt, and are unbeaten in their last 13 AFCON opening matches. Emerse Faé, who guided the team to the title in 2023 after taking charge mid-tournament, now seeks to lead the Elephants to back-to-back triumphs, a feat last achieved by Egypt in 2010.