This Friday evening, Côte d’Ivoire will face Burundi in a World Cup qualifying match at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan. Here’s an overview of what to expect from this matchup.
Match Preview
Côte d’Ivoire, the reigning African champions and leaders of Group F, has secured 16 points from 18 available. They have a strong defense, not conceding a single goal in the qualifying matches while scoring 14, making them one of the top teams on the continent.
Fresh from their AFCON 2023 victory, the Elephants remain unbeaten in their last nine matches, with seven wins, showcasing their consistency and readiness. Their qualification journey includes convincing wins over Seychelles (9-0), Gambia (2-0), and Gabon (1-0), along with narrow victories against Burundi and Gambia. Even in goalless friendlies, the team has shown organization and focus.
Burundi is currently third in the group with 10 points, keeping their World Cup hopes alive. Under Patrick Sangwa, they have displayed decent offensive play with 13 goals, the second-best score in their group. However, their defense has weaknesses, having conceded seven goals, raising concerns about their stability.
Burundi enjoyed a 5-0 win against Seychelles in March, but they struggle against stronger teams. Their lackluster Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, where they finished last in their group with only one win, highlights their inexperience at this level. Moreover, Burundi has lost all six previous matches against Côte d’Ivoire, including a 0-1 defeat in March.
Probable Line-ups
- Côte d’Ivoire: Fofana; Singo, Gbamin, Agbadou, Akpa; Sangaré, Kessié; Diallo, Krasso, Adingra; Haller
- Burundi: Nahimana; Liongola, Niyokuri, Nsabiyumva, Weimann; Bizosa, Nduwarugira; Bigirimana, Eldino, Girumugisha; Kanakimana
Match Facts and Head-to-Head
Côte d’Ivoire has won all six previous matches against Burundi.
The Elephants have not allowed a single goal during this qualifying campaign.
Burundi has scored 13 goals in six rounds, second only to Côte d’Ivoire in the group.
Prediction
Given the impressive form of Côte d’Ivoire, their solid defense, and dominance in past encounters, a bet on a Côte d’Ivoire win is reasonable. While Burundi may score if the match goes their way, the overall strength and organization of the Elephants should lead them to claim the three points. My pick: Under 3.0 goals at odds of 1.70.
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