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Kenya vs. Ivory Coast: Kenya is set to host Ivory Coast at the Bingu National Stadium on Tuesday as they aim to gather crucial points in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The home side will look to disrupt the visitors’ flawless record in this World Cup qualifying campaign.
Match Overview
Kenya, eager to build momentum, were held to a 1-1 draw by Burundi in their previous match at the Bingu National Stadium on Friday.
Despite taking the lead through Duke Abuya in the 72nd minute, the Harambee Stars were pegged back by Sudi Abdallah’s equaliser, resulting from a defensive lapse.
Head coach Engin Firat’s team, which looked on the stronger side, was left frustrated. With four points from three matches, Kenya currently sits third in Group F, trailing group leaders Ivory Coast by five points.
This match presents a pivotal opportunity for Kenya to close the gap and boost their World Cup qualification hopes.
Kenya’s Performance and Key Players
Kenya’s performance in 2024 has seen them struggle to score more than once in a match, despite creating numerous chances.
Firat will aim for his side to rediscover their scoring prowess against a formidable Ivory Coast team.
This encounter marks the first-ever meeting between these two teams, with Kenya entering the match as underdogs.
In their last outing, Firat handed a debut to IF Elfsborg forward Timothy Ouma, while Cliffton Miheso made a return to the starting XI.
However, Miheso might find himself on the bench this time, with Abuya’s goal-scoring cameo likely earning him a starting spot.
Daniel Anyembe is expected to partner with Johnstone Omurwa in central defence, with Zak Vyner of Bristol City potentially missing out again.
Ivory Coast’s Dominance
Ivory Coast, on the other hand, continues to impress, maintaining a perfect start to their World Cup qualifying campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Gabon at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium.
Seko Fofana’s first-half strike secured the win, marking the Elephants’ third consecutive victory, keeping them atop Group F with nine points.
This match also marked Emerse Fae’s first competitive fixture since the Africa Cup of Nations triumph, extending his unbeaten run to seven matches as coach.
The Elephants have been prolific in the qualifiers, boasting the highest goal tally in the CAF zone and one of only two teams, alongside Tunisia, to have won all three matches without conceding a goal.
Team News and Possible Lineups
Kenya’s possible starting lineup is anticipated to feature Matasi in goal, with a defence comprising Omar, Anyembe, Omurwa, and Onyango. The midfield might include Akumu and Odada, supported by Ouma, Muguna, and Abuya, with Olunga leading the attack.
Ivory Coast is expected to field a formidable lineup with Borussia Dortmund’s Sebastien Haller spearheading the attack, supported by Reims’s Oumar Diakite. The defence will likely include a back three of Evan Ndicka, Emmanuel Agbadou, and Odilon Kossounou, with Singo, Fofana, Seri, Kessie, and Konan in midfield.
Kenya vs. Ivory Coast Prediction
Given Ivory Coast’s form and depth, they head into this clash as favourites. Kenya will need to capitalise on their home advantage and be clinical in front of goal to stand a chance against a strong Ivory Coast side.
A predicted scoreline might favour Ivory Coast, possibly 2-1, given their defensive solidity and attacking prowess.
Final Opinion
The match between Kenya and Ivory Coast promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams having a lot at stake in their World Cup qualifying journey.
Kenya will look to make a statement by upsetting the group’s leaders, while Ivory Coast will aim to continue their unbeaten run and edge closer to World Cup qualification.
