Somalia vs Ivory Coast Preview, prediction, team news, lineups | AFCON 2027 qualifiers
These sides are going to face each other for the first time!
Somalia national football team will battle it out against Ivory Coast national football team for their second 2027 AFCON qualifier. The Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium is going to witness this interesting outing between these nations.
The Ocean Stars were not very lucky with their start to the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. They faced a 1-2 loss against Gambia in their opening game after conceding a goal in the final moments of the game. Yusuf Ali Nur’s men worked hard to stay alive, but their performance in the attacking front was not good enough.
The Somalia national football team are capable of establishing control of the game and they will be looking to use their home advantage for exactly that purpose.
The Elephants showed some eye-catching performances at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and are now off to a positive start to their AFCON 2027 qualifiers. They came out on top with a 2-0 victory against Ghana in what was a top performance by the Ivory Coast national football team.
They had the majority of the ball control and utilised the chances they got in the final third. The Hervé Renard-led side will be the visiting team, but their confidence levels will be on the higher side.
Kick-off:
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- Location: Abidjan, Ivory Coast
- Stadium: Felix Houphouet-Boigny
- Date: Wednesday, September 30
- Kick-off Time: 12:30 AM IST (Tuesday, Sept 29; 07:00 PM GMT/ 03:00 PM ET/ 12:00 PM PT)
- Referee: David Chinoko
- VAR: In use
Form:
Somalia: L-L-L-D-L
Ivory Coast: W-L-W-L-W
Players to Watch
Bilal Njie (Somalia)
The 28-year-old will be looking to step up his game so that he can help his side get back to winning ways. He was the sole goal scorer for his side, but it was not enough to get the Somalia national football team three points. Bilal Njie will once again lead his side in the attacking front.
Franck Kessié (Ivory Coast)
Franck Kessié was the star of the show for the Ivory Coast national football team in their 2-0 win against Ghana. He converted a crucial spot-kick and also bagged an assist. The 29-year-old midfielder will once again be ready to help his side both in the midfield and on the attacking front.
Match Facts
- Ivory Coast have three wins in their last five attempts.
- Somalia haven’t managed a win in their last 14 matches.
- This will be the first-ever clash between these nations.
Betting Tips & Odds
- Ivory Coast to win
- Ange-Yoan Bonny to score
- Goals under 3.5
Injury and Team News
All of the selected squad members for both Somalia and Ivory Coast are fit to be in action.
Head-to-Head
Matches played: 0
Somalia (wins): 0
Ivory Coast (wins): 0
Draws: 0
Predicted Lineups
Somalia predicted XI (3-4-3)
Hussein (GK); Gigli, Omar, Othman; Abdulle, Abdulsamed, Sharif, Mohamed; Sabriye, Njie, Hassan
Ivory Coast predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Fofana (GK); Zogbe, Ousmane Diomande, N’Dicka, Konan; Sangare, Kessie; Pepe, Yalcouye, Yan Diomande; Bonny
Match Prediction
Somalia at home will be looking to use this to their advantage, but given their current run of form, they will be under pressure. Ivory Coast will be keen to use these conditions to their advantage.
The Elephants are likely to come out on top and secure a win in their upcoming AFCON qualifying game.
Prediction: Somalia 0-2 Ivory Coast
Telecast Details
Nigeria: Canal+, Sport 1 Afrique
Ivory Coast: RTI
USA: beIN SPORTS en Español, fuboTV, beIN SPORTS CONNECT
When and where is Somalia vs Ivory Coast AFCON qualifier?
The Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium is going to witness this clash on September 29.
Where and how to watch AFCON 2027 qualifiers in Ivory Coast?
Fans will be able to view live matches via RTI.
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