Zambia vs Ivory Coast Prediction, Preview, Team News, and Lineups | AFCON Qualifiers, November 15, 2024

Zambia vs Ivory Coast Preview

Tournament: Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers

Date: Friday, November 15, 2024

Time: 4 pm GMT

Venue: Levy Mwanawasa Stadium

Zambia will host Ivory Coast at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on November 15 in a top-of-the-group clash in Group G of the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

Ivory Coast currently lead the table with nine points after four games, having won three and lost one of their fixtures so far. They are two points above Zambia, who have won two, lost one, and drawn one of their four fixtures. Sierra Leone follow Zambia with four points while Chad sit at the bottom with two points.

The match on Friday is perhaps more crucial for Zambia because if they lose against Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone beat Chad, both sides will be on seven points with one match remaining.

Zambia are set to face Sierra Leone in the final match which is expected to be a knockout for the next round. If Zambia beat Ivory Coast, though, they will only need a draw to progress.

Zambia National Football Team News

Zambia will have all of their players available for the clash against Ivory Coast.

Ivory Coast National Football Team News

Ivory Coast will also have all of their players available for the clash against Zambia.

Predicted Lineups

Zambia national football team predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Toaster Nsabata

Defenders: Obino Chisala, Kabaso Chongo, Tandi Mwape, Gift Mphande

Midfielders: Emmanuel Banda, Benson Sakala, Benedict Chepeshi

Attackers: Kelvin Kampamba, Kennedy Musonda, Kings Kangwa

Ivory Coast national football team predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Yahia Fofana

Defenders: Wilfried Singo, Emmanuel Agbadou, Evan N’Dicka, Christopher Operi

Midfielders: Seko Fofana, Jean Michael Seri, Franck Kessie

Attackers: Nicolas Pepe, Jean-Phillippe Krasso, Evann Guessand

Zambia vs Ivory Coast H2H Record

In their previous six clashes, Ivory Coast have won three times, Zambia have won twice and the remaining one match ended in a draw.

Last 5 results:

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Key Players to watch in Zambia vs Ivory Coast

Kennedy Musonda

Kennedy Musonda is the Zambian national team’s main striker. He has scored two goals and provided two assists in 11 appearances for the side so far.

Interestingly, both of Musonda’s goal for Zambia have come in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers. He first scored and also provided an assist in their 3-2 win over Sierra Leone in September. He then scored the only goal in their 1-0 win over Chad in October.

Hence, Zambia will be hoping that the 29-year-old forward can step up against Ivory Coast as well.

Evann Guessand

Evann Guessand has made a name for himself with his performances for Ligue 1 side OGC Nice. He came through their academy and has made 82 senior appearances for them so far, scoring 14 goals and providing seven assists.

Guessand is in good form at the club level this season as well, having scored six goals and provided two assists in 11 Ligue 1 games. However, the 23-year-old has yet to open his account for Ivory Coast in his five appearances so far.

Hence, Guessand will be eager to get his first goal for his country when they face Zambia on Friday.

Zambia vs Ivory Coast Prediction

Zambia have had two different spells since June earlier this year. They lost three matches in a row but are now unbeaten in their last three games with two wins and one draw.

They lost 2-0 against Ivory Coast to start their AFCON qualification campaign but then beat Sierra Leone 3-2. They then drew 0-0 against Chad before beating them 1-0. Zambia are ranked 94^th in the FIFA World Rankings.

Ivory Coast, meanwhile, are ranked 40^th in the FIFA World Rankings. They notably won the AFCON 2024, beating Nigeria in the final in January earlier this year. They have lost just one game since then but it came in their last match itself.

Ivory Coast lost 1-0 against Sierra Leone, which is their only loss in the AFCON Qualifiers so far. While Zambia have a home advantage and have given Ivory Coast a tough time in the past, the visitors should be able to secure another win owing to their quality squad.

Predicted Score: Zambia 1-2 Ivory Coast

Also Read: Angola vs Ghana Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | 2025 AFCON Qualifiers, November 15, 2024

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