Somalia scored only three goals in 10 World Cup qualifying matches: prediction for Somalia vs Côte d’Ivoire
The second-round match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign between Somalia and Côte d’Ivoire will take place on September 29 at the “Félix Houphouët-Boigny” Stadium in Abidjan. The teams made contrasting starts to the group stage: Somalia lost 1-2 to Gambia, while Côte d’Ivoire comfortably defeated Ghana 2-0.
Somalia: a historic chance, but attack remains the main problem
Somalia has already made progress by reaching the main qualifying stage after defeating Mauritius in a penalty shootout. The team also looked far from helpless in the opening round and managed to score against Gambia, although it ultimately suffered a 1-2 defeat.
Goalscoring remains the main issue. Somalia have scored just three goals in 10 World Cup qualifying matches. In addition, Somalia are deprived of their usual home advantage because, lacking a CAF-certified stadium, they are forced to play their matches outside the country.
Côte d’Ivoire: Renard begins a new chapter with a confident win
Côte d’Ivoire opened the campaign with a 2-0 victory over Ghana in Hervé Renard’s first match back in charge. Malick Yalcouyé scored one goal and provided an assist, while Franck Kessié also got on the scoresheet.
In terms of squad quality and experience, the Ivorians are clearly superior to their opponents. However, the team has struggled away from home in recent qualifying matches, losing to Sierra Leone and Zambia without scoring, so the meeting with Somalia offers a good opportunity to change that trend.
Match facts
- Somalia have scored just three goals in 10 World Cup qualifying matches.
- Côte d’Ivoire began qualifying with a 2-0 win over Ghana.
- This will be the first meeting in history between Somalia and Côte d’Ivoire.
The class gap should tell: prediction for Somalia vs Côte d’Ivoire
Somalia are capable of playing in an organized fashion and have already shown that in previous qualifying matches, but against such a strong opponent, maintaining that level of pressure for all 90 minutes will be extremely difficult.
Côte d’Ivoire have made a confident start to the new era under Renard and possess far greater depth of quality across every line. If the favorites show the same focus they displayed against Ghana, the match should end in a comfortable victory.
