Amad Diallo scored for the Ivory Coast on Wednesday to start their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 1-0 victory over Mozambique in Marrakech.
After 49 minutes, Diallo led the three-time champions, who faced rivals with rankings that were 60 places below them in Group F.
Ivory Coast will face Cameroon and Gabon in one of their other group games in order to become the first African country to successfully defend the title since Egypt did so in 2010 against Egypt.
On December 24, 2025, Ivory Coast and Mozambique play at Marrakech Stadium’s Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group F football match. Ivory Coast’s #03 Ghislain Konan crosses the ball while #23 Diogo Calila (2L) watches as the ball is intercepted. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI/AFP)
Since their 1986 debut, Mozambicans have drawn four games and lost 12. They have had long, long-awaited hopes for an AFCON victory.
At the age of 42, winger Elias “Domingues” Pelembe became the second-old player to compete in an AFCON after 44-year-old Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary when he retired from the Mozambique bench.
READ MORE: Mahrez Leads Algeria to AFCON Cruise Against Sudan
Yan Diomande, an ivorian teen, drew the first threat and dribbled past several opponents before slipping into the box when poised to shoot.
The title-holders were immediately alarmed as the 19-year-old, who scored a Bundesliga hat-trick for RB Leipzig this month, fell awkwardly and needed medical attention.
On December 24, 2025, Ivory Coast’s #15 Amad Diallo (C) celebrates scoring the team’s first goal at the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group F football game between Mozambique and Ivory Coast at Marrakech Stadium in Marrakech. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI/AFP)
Diallo had a chance midway through the first half from a free kick he received just outside the area, but he hit the defensive wall with the ball.
Diomande, who was wearing a protective mask, attempted to break the deadlock with a volleyed cross that was headed in front of goal, but it was tipped over by goalkeeper Ernan Siluane.
With a wide shot from close range, Ivory Coast’s defenseman Ghislain Konan wasted a golden opportunity to lead the country. He is a survivor of the 2024 AFCON team.
At the end of the first half, the Elephants had a better chance when Franck Kessie headed goalwards from close range before Siluane, who was well-positioned, got the ball.
After the break, the teams received a welcome rain that has fallen at numerous AFCON matches throughout the kingdom since the tournament’s debut on Sunday.
Diallo fired past Siluane from inside the box after a cross was headed his way, putting an end to the brave, well-organized resistance of the Mozambicans very early in the second half.
Kessie had a chance to increase the lead as the match approached the hour mark, but she only managed to cross the goal.
The Ivory Coast’s repeated attacks severely limited Mozambican’s chances of finding an equalizer with the clumsy lead.
Israeli attacks across Gaza have left at least one Palestinian dead and six people injured, including a young person, as a result of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s threat.
Israeli forces opened fire on civilians in Jabalia, northern Gaza, on Wednesday, killing Ayoub Abdel Ayesh Nasr and injuring two others.
Recommended Stories
list of 3 itemsend of list
According to medical sources, three people were hurt east of Khan Younis when shots were fired, according to the Palestinian Wafa news agency.
In another place, Israeli forces shot and injured a young child in the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza.
Since the ceasefire’s start in October, more than 400 people have been killed in the battered enclave, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.
Israel “serious and systematic violations” of the ceasefire, according to Gaza’s government media office, adding that the Israeli forces have violated it 875 times since it’s enacted.
The lack of urgent medical care, including medical supplies, is compounding the situation in Gaza, which is on the verge of total collapse.
A preliminary truce, followed by steps toward a wider peace, is a 20-point plan that was suggested by US President Donald Trump in September.
Only the first phase, which included a flimsy release of prisoners and captives, and a partial Israeli withdrawal, has yet to come into effect.
Even though these are stipulated in the first phase of the agreement, Israel continues to violate a ceasefire and refuses to provide the coastal enclave with desperately needed humanitarian aid.
Israel claims that one soldier was hurt when an explosive device detonated in Rafah, in southern Gaza.
Israel responded to the incident, which Hamas denied responsibility for, by saying that the explosive device had been left over by Israeli forces.
Hamas reiterated its commitment to the October 10 ceasefire by claiming the incident occurred in a region under the control of the Israeli army and that it had warned about explosives left in the area and elsewhere since the conflict.
A delegation from Israel, according to Netanyahu’s office, met officials from mediating nations in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday to talk about efforts to bring back the body of the last Israeli captive, police officer Ran Gvili, who was also present.
Members of the delegation included representatives from the Israeli military, the Shin Bet domestic intelligence service, and the Mossad intelligence service.
In the end, Trump’s plan calls for Israel to step down and for Hamas to cease playing a governing role in Gaza.
Israel claims it will never permit the establishment of a Palestinian state, but Hamas has stated that it will only grant arms once a Palestinian state is established.
Netanyahu and Trump will meet at the White House next week to primarily discuss the US president’s plan for Gaza.
Hamas claimed later on Wednesday that a delegation led by its top negotiator Khalil al-Haya had spoken with Turkiye’s foreign minister in Ankara about Gaza.
Al-Hayya warned against continuing Israeli violations of the ceasefire, claiming that they were intended to obstruct the transition to the next stage of the agreement.
The Hamas delegation claimed that the ceasefire had been agreed upon, but that Israel’s continued attacks had hampered progress. Additionally, they claimed that 60% of the trucks entering Gaza were carrying commercial goods rather than aid.
Holders Ivory Coast had a number of chances to score, but Amad Diallo’s goal in the opening minute gave them a winning start to their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title defense.
The Ivorians battled to defeat their rivals in the opening Group F game on Wednesday in Morocco, but they were unable to convert the numerous chances they had.
Recommended Stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
In the 49th minute, Diallo side-footed the ball into the net to make it three points, but the Ivorians’ sharper start would have been much more decisive.
After being surprise recall for the Cup of Nations finals, Wilfried Zaha wasted several chances while Franck Kessie saved two point-blank saves from Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan, who was playing his first international since more than two years.
In the 89th minute, Bayo had an opportunity to clear an effort off the line with Ernan caught well out of his goal, and Ivorian substitute Vakoun Bayo had one with an easy header in front of goal, but somehow it was wide.
Dominguez, 42 years, one month and six days old, was chosen as a second-half substitute for Mozambique, making him the oldest outfield player in tournament history, trailing only former Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, who was 44 when he played in the 2017 final.
Since making their tournament debut in 1986, Mozambique is still unable to defeat other nations in a final. With a record of four draws and 12 losses, they are currently in their sixth meeting.
In the 49th minute, Diallo, center, scores the game’s all-important goal [Khaled Desouki/AFP]
For tonight’s Together At Christmas on ITV, the Princess of Wales personally requested composer Erland Cooper to watch her and Princess Charlotte perform his piece, Holm Sound.
View 4 Images
Princess Charlotte playing the piano with her mum the Princess of Wales as part of the Royal Carols: Together at Christmas concert(Image: Kensington Palace)
The composer behind the piece of music played by the Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte has spoken of his pride of witnessing their “incredible bond”. Kate was joined by her 10-year-old daughter for a special performance to launch her Together at Christmas carol concert broadcast on ITV1 this evening.
She personally requested Erland Cooper to accompany them at Windsor Castle earlier this month as they performed his piece Holm Sound. The award winning composer and producer, from Orkney in Scotland, cited as “one of the most unique, consistently engaging composers of his generation”, is renowned for taking inspiration for his melodic work from nature and connection.
READ MORE: Kate Middleton teases exciting mystery guest in exciting carol concert surpriseREAD MORE: Kate Middleton gets surprise nod from King Charles in his 2025 Christmas speech
Speaking of his shared passion for the natural world with the princess, who has credited immersing herself in nature as a marker in her recovery from cancer treatment last year, Erland said: “It was such a treat, such a lovely, warm and inviting day to be present with Their Royal Highnesses. It completely took me by surprise. I’m used to rambling around the ruins and brochs of the Orkney Islands, but to go to Windsor Castle itself was a slightly different architectural wonder.”
Erland, 43, took inspiration from the Orkney Islands’ wild environment when writing his classical piece in 2020 at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. The Princess of Wales, who has been playing piano since she was 10 years old, wrote to Erland to thank him for his commitment to protecting the beauty of the natural world through his talent.
The future queen shared a special connection with the future queen by sharing her thoughts about her time teaching him his compositions at home. The princess requested to play one of her favorite pieces with her daughter on Christmas Eve because she wanted to make a special moment happen during her fifth annual Together at Christmas carol concert, which is held at Westminster Abbey.
“I’m always in other people’s heads, hearts, and back gardens.” This little piece of music “kind of landed on her shoulder like a bird,” Erland said. And when you share a piece of music with the world, you kind of let it out and let it go, letting it go without knowing how far or how wide it might fly. Therefore, it’s always a pleasant surprise when people call or write to me, and this was certainly one of those pleasant surprises. I had no idea what it would be.
After writing the piece for his mother, Charlotte at the beginning of the year, which was lovely, Erland described the event as “a wonderful bit of serendipity.” The princess posed the question, “Would it be acceptable if we performed this piece of music together that we both adore?”
I said “absolutely no problem at all because it was such a lovely request.” I was given the honor of witnessing this incredible collaboration between a mother and daughter. And there’s a wonderful bit of serendipity, as the piece was written and dedicated to my mother, who is also known as Charlotte, and how family is a significant factor in everything.
The Princess and I both enjoy music that honors the natural world, its rejuvenation, and the wonder that results from it, according to the pair. Those themes are filled with such enthusiasm, warmth, creativity, and ideas.
Erland is renowned for burying his first classical album as part of the “return to the natural earth” process, which combines field recordings with traditional orchestration and electronic elements. After removing all digital copies of his composition, he planted the master tape in Orkney, along with the original score, a biscuit tin, and a note to sender if it ever was discovered.
Erland claimed that no one would have discovered the clues until 2024, despite how little the recording had changed, and that he would dig them up himself and release the music in the same year. The score was found by two fans, who found and returned Stromness’ sagging sheet of magnetic tape.
The album, titled Carve the Runes Then Be Content With Silence, rose to the top of the UK’s official music charts in 2024 as a result of its collaboration with nature.
Erland continued, “I merely tap into the natural world’s energy, and I’m very appreciative of it. It is a constant source of inspiration. It drives my work from beginning to end. Composing, decomposing, and then recomposing was the theme of my first composition. A collaboration with Mother Nature would be the piece’s final product. We all have such incredible ties to the natural world, and I find it heartfelt that the Princess of Wales has found solace and comfort in the outdoors.
He said: “It was just lovely to see Kate and Charlotte performing on stage together.” I believe I was there to offer some encouragement. Imagine a person playing a piece of music in front of a production team followed by the composer. Princess Charlotte really excels at playing the lighter notes just beautifully. So we were able to share that joy with everyone.
Continue reading the article.
One of my favorite winter solstice moments is undoubtedly this. a Steinway grand piano greets you at the castle before giving you a very moving recital and performance. A very special, somewhat tranquil moment occurred. Reaching out to people is powerful, and that’s what they did here.
Martha Stewart, the American domestic goddess, and AC Milan footballer Luka Modric have teamed up with rap legend Snoop Dogg to become the minority owner of Swansea City FC, the Welsh national team.
Martha Stewart has become a minority owner of Swansea City FC(Image: Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)
What is essential to know about Martha Stewart’s purchase of Swansea City FC?
The news that Martha Stewart has acquired Swansea City FC as a minority owner of the Welsh football team has shocked sports fans. The 84-year-old businesswoman from America is best known for her celebrity cooking skills.
In order to purchase a stake in the football team, Martha and legendary rap artist Snoop Dogg, 54, and AC Milan’s Luka Modric, 40, have teamed up to do so. Ben Cabango, a 25-year-old defender, is currently playing for Swansea City FC in the English Championship league.
Following Swansea’s 2-1 home victory over Wrexham on Friday, owners Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen made the announcement of the deal. The owners stated that Martha was invited to the Wrexham game as a guest because she was close to Snoop Dogg. However, we are pleased to report that Martha, who has worked closely with Snoop and Luka Modric to become a minority owner of our football team after a long and prosperous career.
Snoop Dogg joined the club in July as a co-owner and investor. Martha hasn’t had a chance to discuss her new position in front of the public.
Her involvement in a football team echoes Ryan Reynolds’ decision to purchase Welsh football team Wrexham AFC in 2021. Rob McElhenney, a member of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and the Deadpool star also invested in the team. Will Ferrell, an actor for Leeds United, has also joined the club’s management team. While Ed Sheeran owns Ipswich Town in part, Ed Sheeran owns a minority stake. Stormzy also owns AFC Croydon Athletic, a non-league organization. Watford FC’s Honorary Life President is musician legend Sir Elton John.
Follow Daily Mirror:
At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.
According to the US Department of Justice (DOJ), more than a million additional documents have been discovered that might be related to Jeffrey Epstein, a late sex offender and financier.
The DOJ stated in a social media post on Wednesday that it is reviewing the documents and will need “a few more weeks” before announcing a release of the information under the law.
Recommended Stories
list of 3 itemsend of list
According to a statement from the DOJ, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the FBI have informed the DOJ that they have uncovered more than a million more documents that might be related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Additionally, more time is needed to comply with the government’s request to open its files on Epstein and his long-time ally Ghislaine Maxwell.
The DOJ asserted in a statement that its attorneys are “working around the clock” to review those documents and make the necessary redactions, which the law, which was nearly unanimously passed, do.
This process may take longer than a few more weeks due to the volume of the material. According to the DOJ, the Department will continue to fully comply with President [Donald] Trump’s request to release the files.
full disclosure
A dozen US senators are asking the justice department’s watchdog to review the department’s failure to release all Epstein-related records by Friday’s required deadline, arguing that victims “deserve full disclosure” and the “peace of mind” of an independent audit.
In a letter to Acting Inspector General Don Berthiaume, signed by Senator Lisa Murkowski, a member of Trump’s Republican party, on Wednesday, she urged him to review the Justice Department’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
A neutral assessment of the organization’s compliance with the statutory disclosure requirements is necessary, the senators wrote. “Given the]Trump] Administration’s historic hostility to releasing the files, politicisation of the Epstein case more broadly, and failure to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act,” they wrote.
According to them, complete transparency “is necessary to identify members of our society who enabled and participated in Epstein’s crimes.”
Republican Representative Thomas Massie, a co-sponsor of the transparency act, stated on Wednesday on X: “DOJ did break the law by making illegal redactions and missing the deadline.”
The Justice Department has stated that it will release records on a rolling basis despite the deadline. It attributed the delay to the labor-intensive process of concealing survivors’ names and other identifying details.
Over the weekend and on Tuesday, more records were made available. When additional records might be available, the department has not given any notice.
According to deputy attorney general Todd Blanche, “the reason we are still reviewing documents and continuing our process is simply to protect victims,” Blanche stated on Sunday during the NBC television network’s Meet the Press program.
