Ivory Coast dominated the early stages, with teenager Yan Diomande providing the first spark as he dribbled past several defenders before slipping in the box, later needing treatment after an awkward fall. Amad Diallo went close with a first-half free kick, while Diomande, now wearing a protective mask, nearly scored with a looping cross tipped over by goalkeeper Ernan Siluane. The pressure continued as Ghislain Konan missed from close range and Franck Kessie's header was saved before the break, and shortly after rain fell in the second half, Diallo capitalised inside the box to fire Ivory Coast into the lead.
For Mozambique, hopes of an AFCON victory still remain elusive after four draws and 12 defeats since their 1986 debut.
READ MORE
Doctors set 90-day ultimatum for pay talks, warn of strike
Kenya, Italy adopt four-year cooperation plan after Ruto-Meloni talks
Ivory Coast will next face Cameroon and Gabon as they look to build momentum in Group F and continue their pursuit of back-to-back continental titles.
The result keeps Ivory Coast firmly on course as they chase history aiming to become the first nation since Egypt in 2010 to successfully defend the AFCON crown.