Two nations enter this matchup in very different form.

Ivory Coast arrive in excellent shape, remaining unbeaten in competitive matches across the last ten outings, excluding two friendlies. That run includes nine victories in World Cup qualifiers and tournament games, along with a single draw, highlighting strong consistency and momentum.

Mozambique, by contrast, show far weaker results. Only two wins have come from the last ten matches, both against lower-ranked opposition in Botswana and Somalia. Recent performances before AFCON raise further concerns, including a heavy 4-1 defeat to Angola and a 2-2 draw against Chad.

Head-to-head history also favors Ivory Coast. The last two meetings ended in a comfortable 3-0 win and a goalless draw, with Ivory Coast controlling proceedings in both.