MARRAKECH, Morocco (Interstat) — Ivory Coast opened its Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Mozambique on Wednesday at Grand Stade de Marrakech.

The match’s lone goal came just before halftime in the 49th minute. Forward Amad Diallo scored the decisive goal, finishing an attacking sequence assisted by substitute Reinildo and forward Yan Diomandé. The result defied a pre-match projection that heavily favored the host nation.

Mozambique’s Witi received the first yellow card in the 35th minute. Reinildo and Diomandé were also booked in the second half. The win gives Ivory Coast a winning start in group play, while Mozambique seeks its first points in the tournament.