Sports Mole previews Tuesday’s World Cup Qualifying – Africa clash between Kenya and Ivory Coast, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Kenya will look to pick up valuable points in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup when they host Ivory Coast at the Bingu National Stadium on Tuesday.
The home side will hope to be the first team to dent the visitors’ perfect record in this World Cup qualifying campaign.
Match preview
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Kenya were unable to extend their winning run, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Burundi at the Bingu National Stadium on Friday.
After a cagey first half, the Harambee Stars finally took the lead in the 72nd minute through Duke Abuya. However, they could not hold on for the win, as Sudi Abdallah capitalised on a defensive error to equalise for the visitors.
Engin Firat‘s men were left disappointed as they were the stronger of the two sides. With four points from three matches, Kenya remain third in Group F, five points behind group leaders and next opponents, Ivory Coast.
The East Africans failed to score more than once in a game for the first time in 2024 after squandering a number of chances. Firat will hope his side can rediscover their scoring touch, as this lack of finishing is more likely to be punished against a more dangerous opponent.
This will be the first-ever meeting between Kenya and Tuesday’s opponents, and they will be heading into this fixture as the underdogs.
Ivory Coast maintained their perfect start to the World Cup qualifiers after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Gabon at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium on Friday.
Seko Fofana‘s first-half goal was the difference, as the Elephants made it three wins from three games to record nine points and remain top of the group.
The win was Emerse Fae‘s first competitive match after the Africa Cup of Nations triumph and he remains unbeaten after seven matches as coach.
The West Africans are the highest-scoring side in the CAF zone of the World Cup qualifiers and they are one of two teams – alongside Tunisia – to have won all three matches without conceding a goal.
Kenya World Cup Qualifying – Africa form:
Kenya form (all competitions):
Ivory Coast World Cup Qualifying – Africa form:
Ivory Coast form (all competitions):
Team News
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Firat handed a debut to IF Elfsborg forward Timothy Ouma against Burundi, while Cliffton Miheso also made a return to the XI after a long time out.
However, Miheso could be dropped to the bench on Tuesday after Abuya, who came on for him, found the net in his cameo.
Daniel Anyembe is expected to remain in central defence alongside Johnstone Omurwa, as Bristol City defender Zak Vyner was not listed last time out.
Borussia Dortmund’s Sebastien Haller, is expected to lead the attack for Ivory Coast once again alongside Reims’s Oumar Diakite.
A back three of Evan Ndicka, Emmanuel Agbadou and Odilon Kossounou is expected once again.
Kenya possible starting lineup:
Matasi; Omar, Anyembe, Omurwa, Onyango; Akumu, Odada; Ouma, Muguna, Abuya; Olunga
Ivory Coast possible starting lineup:
Fofana; Ndicka, Agbadou, Kossounou; Singo, Fofana, Seri, Kessie, Konan; Diakite, Haller, Adingra
We say: Kenya 1-2 Ivory Coast
Kenya are enjoying a good run at the moment, but Ivory Coast seem to be in a different league right now. The visitors are playing with the swagger of champions and have the quality to see off tight matches. Furthermore, this game will be taking place at a neutral ground, which means no home advantage for the hosts.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.