In an effort to avenge their earlier defeat, Comoros play host to Ivory Coast on Tuesday at the Stade Omnisports de Malouzini in Morini for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. In the other match, the Elephants defeated the Coelacanths 3-1 on Friday. After goals from Christian Kouame, Sebastian Haller, and Jean-Phillipe Krasso, the hosts led 3-0 before the visitors’ Ibroihim Djoudja scored in the final minute.
As hosts of the competition, Ivory Coast have previously qualified, yet are as yet contending in Gathering H, where they sit in runner up with seven places in three games. With just three points between them and third place, Comoros’ hopes of reaching the AFCON finals twice are slowly fading away. The island made their debut last year, making it all the way to the round of 16 before falling to the hosts, Cameroon, who won the bronze medal.
With qualification already secured, Ivory Coast head coach Jean-Louis Gasset may make a few lineup adjustments for their subsequent match to rest some of his key players. After a promising appearance off the bench last time, Torino midfielder Wilfried Singo may get the start. Former Manchester United youth Amad Diallo may also get the start after not playing on Friday.
Prediction
With Ivory Coast likely to make some changes, the minnows could hold the Elephants to a draw here, and Comoros will be confident of their chances at home because they typically play well there.
Prediction: Comoros beat Ivory Coast 1-1.
Head-To-Head
- Both of Comoros’ previous encounters with Ivory Coast have resulted in 3-1 defeats for the Comores.
- Ivory Coast has only lost one of their last seven games, with the exception of the January unofficial friendlies.
- Comoros have lost every one of their last four games barring their COSAFA Cup results, surrendering eight objectives simultaneously.
- In their last five games, Ivory Coast have only kept one clean sheet.
- The Comoros have won their two previous matches at home (2-1 against Ethiopia and 2-0 against Lesotho).
Team news
Comoros will not have center back Karim Attoumani on the field because Attoumani suffered a game-ending injury minutes into the second half on Friday.
Kassim M’Dahoma, a Botosani player, should join Mohamed Youssouf, Ahmed Soilihi, and Akim Djaha in the back four in his absence.
With his brief appearance at the Stade Bouake, Djoudja established his claim to a starting position, and the forward, who is 28 years old, may be given a chance to play on Tuesday.
Ibrahim Sangare and Franck Kessie should keep their spots in the middle of the park because Gasset has no major reason to change his starting lineup after their dominant performance in the reverse fixture last week.
With his strike on Friday, Haller increased his international goal total to five, and the Dortmund player should once again lead the Elephant’s attack. At the other end of the field, Serge Aurier, Eric Bailly, Abakar Sylla, and Ghislain Konan should handle business.
Lineup
Comoros
- Boina
- Youssouf, M’Dahoma, Soilihi, Djaha
- Mohamed, M’Changama, Bakari
- Youssouf, Selemani, Mohamed
Ivory Coast
- A Sangare
- Aurier, Bailly, Sylla, Konan
- Traore, I Sangare, Kessie
- Kouame, Haller, Gradel
Betting Tips
Result: Goals that go over or under 2.5: Both teams to score under 2.5: Yes
Where to watch
Available on Eurosport app.