Cote d’Ivoire will look to make it two wins from two in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign when they meet Somalia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.
The Ivorians began with a 2-0 victory over Ghana, while Somalia were beaten 2-1 by The Gambia in their opening Group C fixture. A win in their first meeting with Somalia would keep Cote d’Ivoire top of the section.
Cote d’Ivoire’s campaign marks the start of a new era under returning manager Herve Renard, who has won the Africa Cup of Nations twice, including with the Ivorians in 2015. His immediate task is to secure qualification for next year’s finals in East Africa before attempting to add another continental title.
The Ivorians were champions on home soil in 2024, but their bid to retain the trophy ended in the quarter-finals of AFCON 2026 with defeat by Egypt. That result ended an eight-match unbeaten run in the competition, comprising seven wins and one draw.
They subsequently reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in four attempts, but that achievement did not lead to a contract extension for Emerse Fae when his deal expired in July.
Renard’s side made an encouraging start against Ghana, with Malick Yalcouye scoring in each half alongside Franck Kessie. Yalcouye, who has made an excellent start to the 2026-27 season with Brighton & Hove Albion, scored once and provided an assist on his international debut.
Kessie’s goal was his 16th for Cote d’Ivoire, the highest total among the country’s active players. He is now two goals short of the national team’s all-time top 10.
However, Cote d’Ivoire have struggled on recent away trips in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, losing their last two matches in Sierra Leone and Zambia without scoring.
Somalia have already exceeded expectations by reaching the group stage this time, having been eliminated in the preliminary qualifying round in 2024. They overcame Mauritius on penalties after two goalless matches.
Yusuf Ali’s team are one of five nations seeking a historic first appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations. Their 2-1 defeat by The Gambia showed promise, but they face a major challenge against a Cote d’Ivoire team that includes two-time tournament winners Ghana among their group opponents.
Somalia scored only three goals in 10 World Cup qualifying matches and finished bottom of their group. Their lack of attacking threat remains a key concern. Long-standing security issues and the absence of a CAF-approved stadium also mean they have been unable to host matches for some time, removing the usual home advantage.
Somalia’s recent form is D V D N V D, while Cote d’Ivoire’s is V V D V D V. Bilal Njie’s goal against The Gambia was his fifth in eight club and international appearances. Abdi Sharif is doubtful after going off injured late in that match.
Amadou Kone remains in search of his first cap after staying on the bench against Ghana.
Predicted line-ups
Somalia: Hussein; Othman, Omar, Gigli; Mohamed, Osman, Abdullahi, Abdulle; Hassan, Njie, Abatari.
Cote d’Ivoire: Fofana; Zogbe, Diomande, Ndicka, Konan; Sangare, Kessie; Diomande, Yalcouye, Pepe; Bonny.
Cote d’Ivoire are predicted to win without conceding, with more than 2.5 goals expected. The exact-score selection is Cote d’Ivoire 3-0 Somalia, priced at 5.50 with Betclic. The other listed prices are 1.40 for a clean-sheet win and 1.25 for more than 2.5 goals.