Cote d’Ivoire will look to make it two wins from two in the CAN 2027 qualifiers when they face Somalia on Tuesday in Abidjan.
The match will be played at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny “Felicia” Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 French time and 19:00 in Cote d’Ivoire. The game will be shown in France on beIN Sports 2 and in Cote d’Ivoire on La 3.
It is the second match for the Elephants since Herve Renard returned as head coach, and Cote d’Ivoire will start as strong favourites against a Somalia side ranked 200th in the FIFA rankings. The three-time African champions are currently 31st.
Cote d’Ivoire began their Group C campaign with a 2-0 win over Ghana in Bouake on 24 September. Malick Yalcouye, making his first appearance for the national team, opened the scoring in the 44th minute, shortly before half-time, while captain Franck Kessie converted a penalty in the 58th minute.
Somalia, meanwhile, lost 2-1 to The Gambia in their opening fixture. Another victory would allow Cote d’Ivoire to retain top spot in the group and build further confidence before their next assignment against Cameroon.
That friendly against what Cote d’Ivoire refer to as their “in-laws” will take place in Abidjan on 3 October, four days after the Somalia match. Cameroon are regarded as the Elephants’ historic rivals.
Renard could make changes to his starting line-up, particularly on the right wing and in attack. Bazoumana Toure could replace Nicolas Pepe, while Elye Wahi is a possible starter in place of Ange-Yoan Bonny.
The fixture will also mark the first meeting between Cote d’Ivoire and Somalia in the modern era.
Cote d’Ivoire’s opening victory was built on a controlled performance and goals at important moments, while Somalia will be seeking a response after their narrow defeat by The Gambia. Victory would strengthen the Elephants’ position in the group before their meeting with Cameroon.
The match therefore presents Renard with an opportunity to maintain the momentum from the 2-0 win against Ghana while assessing possible alternatives in the attacking positions. For Somalia, it is a chance to recover from their opening-day setback against one of the leading sides in the section.