Ivory Coast aims to keep their aspirations alive in their World Qualification bid this week as they take on Malawi. The match schedules for Monday evening at the Stade de l’Amitie, with kickoff at 7:00 pm.
The hosts come off a comfortable 3-0 win over their opponents last week to seal a top spot in their group stage.
The Ivory Coast national football team opened with a frustrating goalless draw against Mozambique at the Estadio do Zimpeto on the 3rd of September.
Ajax strikers returned to winning ways three days after the disappointing result against Japan, as they battled a resilient Cameroonian side thanks to a brace from Sebastian Haller.
On Monday, the Elephants are unbeaten in each of their last nine games and have recorded six wins, three draws since their 1-0 defeat against Japan in the friendly.
This is a result of the solid work done in both ends of the pitch, as they have scored 19 goals in that time while conceding five.
Meanwhile, despite losing their first match to Cameroon 2-0 on September 3, Malawi won a 1-0 win against Mozambique four days later.
However, they were sent back to earth the last time they were against the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, and in this case, they lost by a third in four games.
Ivory Coast vs Malawi Head to Head
Both sides have three matches against each other, with Ivory Coast taking two wins and one draw. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Malawi 0-3 Ivory Coast
- Malawi 1-0 Mozambique
- Cameroon 2-0 Malawi
- Senegal 2-1 Malawi
Away
- Malawi 0-3 Ivory Coast
- Ivory Coast 2-1 Cameroon
- Mozambique 0-0 Ivory Coast
- Ghana 0-0 Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast Team News
Haller, who has scored five goals in eight games for Ajax so far, could lead the attack on Monday despite sitting out last Thursday’s encounter. Wilfried Zaha Crystal Palace could join in attacks, while Manchester United’s Eric Bailly and Wolves’ Willy Boly would be able to handle business at the opposite end of the pitch.
Malawi Team News
Conversely, manager Meke Mwase could stick with the lineup he used to face the team on Friday. On the other hand, Richard Mbulu could get a chance to start. Mbulu scored seven goals in 19 appearances for Baroka in the South African top-flight last season, while Duncan Nyoni only played 70 minutes in one game.
Prediction and Odds
Ivory Coast head into the clash full of confidence following their last win on Friday.
- Ivory Coast Win
- Goals Under 3.5
- Away: No Score
