MARRAKECH, Morocco, Dec 24 (Reuters) - Holders ‌Ivory Coast squandered a number of chances but Amad Diallo’s ‌goal early in the second half was enough to beat Mozambique ‌1-0 on Wednesday and give them a winning start to their Africa Cup of Nations title defence.

In the opening Group F game in Morocco, the Ivorians battled to break down their ‍opponents in a competitive first half but took ‍firm control after the break ‌without converting the many chances they created.