The German World Cup group opponents Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) barely managed an opening success at the Africa Cup.
The defending champion led by Leipzig shooting star Yan Diomande won 1-0 (0-0) against supposedly weakest preliminary round opponent Mozambique on Wednesday despite failing to capitalize on opportunities.
Amad Diallo (49th) from Manchester United scored the winning goal in Marrakesh, Morocco, for the Ivorians, who were harmless for a long time and who also face Cameroon and Gabon in Group F.
Diomande, who had recently been the focus of attention with eleven goals in 16 competitive games at RB Leipzig, was on the field for the full distance. Striker Sébastien Haller, ex-Dortmunder and last year’s final hero, is missing injured.
The German national soccer team will also have to play against the three-time African champions Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup: In the second group game, the two teams will meet in Toronto, Canada (June 20, 10:00 p.m. CEST).
The “elephants” were “among the best this continent has to offer,” DFB sports director Rudi Völler recently said.