Ivory Coast will be looking to come to winning ways following their semifinal exit from the African Cup of Nations in Egypt. Currently in Group K, the Elephants will play host to Niger at the Le Felicia Stadium which kickoff on 16th November, at 22:00 GMT.
Ibrahim Kamara’s side have had a mixture of wins and losses leading to the competition. Despite being favorites in the Group K, the side has a lot to prove. With an experienced and professional squad, the side has seen a number of international stars called.
The return of inform Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha and Arsenal’s winger Nicolas Pepe has given the side many attacking options. However, Kamara has come under heavy criticism following the sidelining of major starts.
Niger on the other hand are relying heavily on experienced played in their attacking options. Coach Diabate has relied heavily on veterans Sidibe, Moussa and Koita.
Ivory Coast vs. Niger Head to Head
Below are some of the previous matches played by Ivory Coast:
Ivory Coast 1-0 Niger
Ivory Coast 3-1 DR Congo
Tunisia 1-2 Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast 1-2 Benin
Ivory Coast 4-5 Algeria
Mali 0-1 Ivory Coast
Here is a look at the previous matches played by Niger:
Ivory Coast 1-0 Niger
Niger 0-2 Central Africa
Morocco 1-0 Niger
Niger 1-1 Egypt
Eswatini 1-2 Niger
Niger 1-2 Tunisia
Ivory Coast Team News
Coach Ibrahim Kamara has shaken the squad for the African Cup of Nation qualifiers will sidelining a number of key players.
Despite the resurgence of Gervinho under Parma, Kamara has continued to sideline the star in the squad.
Other sidelined stars who have been axed from the squad include midfielder Jean Michael Sarri and striker Jonathan Kodjia.
However, Arsenal’s record signing Nicolas Pepe who has been struggling to regain form in the Premier League will feature. He scored the winning goal in the last match with an assist from Wilfried Zaha.
Other features that are likely to come into the squad includes Tottenham’s Aurier. AC Milan’s Kessie is also a feature in the squad after an impressive performance in the Serie A.
Niger Team News
Coach Diabate has been seen to favor the attacking options started by Mahamane Cisse and Seybou Keita. He has also been seen to prefer the services of Maman Abdourahmane and Daouda Kamilou.
Prediction and Odds
Ivory Coast are seen as the favorites to pick up the win following a resurgence in their previous game. However, Niger are set to put a tough competition for the Elephants after an impressive defensive display in their previous match.
Ivory Coast Win
Double Chance
Goals Under 2.5
Both Teams to Score (N0)