Ivory Coast vs Zambia Preview & Prediction | 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group G
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The 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations champions begin the defence of their African title this week with their first qualifying contest against Zambia back at home in what could be a celebratory atmosphere.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Friday 6th September, 2024 - UK – 8:00pm / US ET – 3:00pm / US PT – 12:00pm
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Not televised / US – beIN Sports
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Cannot be streamed / US – beIN Sports streaming platforms
IVORY COAST PREVIEW: THE MAGICAL STORY OF 2024
Earlier this year, Ivory Coast hosted the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. They started really badly and needed a miracle to progress into the Round of 16 so their manager was sacked but they somehow managed to progress due to a bizarre sequence of events.
Former Reading midfielder Emerse Fae took charge mid-way through the tournament before a dramatic run to the final with a penalty shootout win and an extra-time win before then defeating Nigeria by two goals to one.
ZAMBIA PREVIEW: ZAMBIANS TO BE SOLID
Under the management of former Chelsea, Portsmouth and West Ham United boss Avram Grant, Zambia’s failure to score in their final group stage game was the reason that Ivory Coast were able to propel themselves through the knockout rounds.
Ranked 92nd in the world, the Zambians do have some good players but there has been a major drop off since Herve Renard led ‘The Copper Bullets’ to glory when they won the CAF Africa Cup of Nations back in 2012.
IVORY COAST TEAM NEWS: STICK OR TWIST
Emerse Fae will have to decide whether to stick with the tried and trusted of the AFCON winners of 2024 or to make a few changes with players like Evann Guessand and Mohamed Bamba.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Y. Fofana; Kossounou, Boly, Ndicka, Konan; Amani, Kessie, S. Fofana; Boga, Latte Lath, Adingra
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
ZAMBIA TEAM NEWS: FULLY FIT AND AVAILABLE BAR DAKA
Leicester City forward Patson Daka has been named in the Zambian squad but it unknown as to whether he will play during this break after starting the Premier League season with injury.
PREDICTED XI (4-1-4-1): Mulenga; Mphande, Sunzu, Banda, F. Musonda; Chaiwa; K. Kangwa, Daka, Chilufya, L. Musonda; E. Kangwa
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Daka (Injured)
IVORY COAST VS ZAMBIA PREDICTION
The Ivory Coast have been low-scoring throughout their impressive rise in the last 12 months or so. The Ivorians have still been underwhelming since their seemingly fortunate AFCON triumph at the beginning of the year. They now take on a Zambian side that, under Grant, are expected to be very defensive and reactive throughout his tenure. Les Elephants may well come out on top but it is expected to be a dull game for the neutral.
IVORY COAST VS ZAMBIA TIP: IVORY COAST TO WIN & UNDER 3.5 GOALS
