BETTING GUIDE: Ivory Coast Vs Kenya, match preview, team news and betting tips

African champions Ivory Coast will aim to seal their return to the FIFA World Cup when they host Kenya in the final Group F fixture at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Tuesday.

Sitting top of the group with 22 points, the Elephants only need a win to guarantee qualification, regardless of the outcome in the parallel clash between Gabon and Burundi.

For Kenya, pride is all that’s at stake, as they have already been eliminated from contention.

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Ivory Coast are on the cusp of completing an impressive qualification campaign, having remained unbeaten across nine games (W7, D2).

The Elephants have been the standout team in Group F, scoring 22 goals and, remarkably, yet to concede a single goal - a feat only Tunisia has matched across the continent.

Their attacking threat was on full display in the previous match, hammering Seychelles 7-0 away from home.

That result showcased the depth in Emerse Fae’s squad, with seven different players getting on the scoresheet, including notable contributions from substitutes Franck Kessie and Simon Adingra.

The Elephants have won all four of their home qualifiers and will be confident of extending that streak in front of their fans

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Kenya, meanwhile, comes into this clash with back-to-back victories over Seychelles (5-0) and Burundi (1-0), which has lifted them to third place in the standings with 12 points (W3, D3, L3).

However, their hopes of qualification ended after a 3-1 defeat to The Gambia earlier in the campaign.

Under head coach Benni McCarthy, the Harambee Stars have shown glimpses of attacking flair, averaging two goals per game across the qualifiers, but defensive vulnerabilities have cost them dearly, with 11 goals conceded in nine games.

Their away form has been mixed (W2, D1, L1), and facing an Ivorian side that has not dropped a point at home will be their toughest test yet.

Ivory Coast have no injuries or suspensions heading into this decisive clash.

The comprehensive win over Seychelles saw key players rested and others stake their claim for a starting spot.

They could field a strong starting XI, unlike their last outing.

Sebastian Haller is likely to lead the line, offering aerial strength and physical presence to spearhead the attack.

In midfield, Franck Kessié is expected to return to the starting lineup after an impressive cameo against Seychelles, where he contributed energy, control, and a goal.

Coach Emerse Fae may also deploy a dynamic wide setup featuring Simon Adingra, Nicolas Pépé, and Amad Diallo, Evan Guessand, with two of them providing pace, directness, and attacking depth from the flanks to stretch defenses and create chances.

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Kenya, on the other hand, have a few concerns. Right-back Rooney Onyango is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the campaign, while first-choice goalkeeper Brian Bwire remains a doubt following an injury last time out.

Byrne Omondi is expected to deputise in goal. Ryan Ogam, the match-winner against Burundi, is pushing for a start, with captain Michael Olunga likely to lead the line again.

Ivory Coast’s success has been built on a solid backline and an efficient midfield that transitions quickly into attack.

Their width, pressing, and ability to rotate scorers make them dangerous from multiple angles.

The likes of Sangare and Kessie are crucial in controlling the midfield tempo, while fullbacks provide constant support in wide areas.

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Kenya will likely approach the game with a compact defensive setup and look to hit on the break.

Olunga’s presence up front offers a focal point, while Ogam’s pace could be vital in exploiting spaces.

However, without Onyango, their right flank could be a weakness that Ivory Coast’s wingers will target.

Key Pointers

Ivory Coast are unbeaten in all nine qualifiers (7W, 2D), leading Group F with an average of 2.44 goals scored and none conceded per game.

Fae’s side are yet to concede in the current qualifiers.

The Harambee Stars have won 3 of 9 qualifiers and lost three times, sitting third in Group F.

Kenya have managed just one win in their last four away matches.

Kenya average 2.0 goals scored and 1.22 conceded per game, highlighting efficiency in attack but lingering defensive gaps compared to Ivory Coast’s perfection.

Prediction

With the weight of history, home advantage, and qualification on the line, Ivory Coast are expected to come out strong.

Kenya may offer some resistance, but the quality and depth of the Elephants should see them break through. Considering both sides’ recent scoring patterns and Ivory Coast’s dominance at home, a high-scoring encounter could also likely be on the cards.

Prediction: Ivory Coast Win

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