Ivory Coast vs Kenya: Preview, Team News, Odds, and Predictions as Harambee Stars Aim to Stand Tall Against African Champions

Harambee Stars are set to challenge the Ivory Coast in a high-stakes qualifier, determined not to make it an easy win for the African champions.

In a highly anticipated finale to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Harambee Stars are set to face the formidable African champions, the Ivory Coast.

The match, to be played at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Tuesday, October 14, is a must-win for the Ivorians who are looking to secure direct qualification for the global tournament.

While Kenya's World Cup dreams are over, the match is anything but a mere formality for them. Harambee Stars, currently in third place in Group F, are determined to finish their campaign on a high note and prove their mettle against one of Africa's top teams.

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This encounter pits a highly motivated Ivorian side against a resilient Kenyan team that has been building a new ‘winning culture’ under coach Benni McCarthy.

Ivory Coast vs Kenya: Preview

For the hosts, the mission is clear and non-negotiable: a win will secure their passage to the global tournament. They currently sit atop Group F with a slim one-point lead over second-placed Gabon.

For Kenya, while their World Cup dreams are over, this is not a dead rubber. Harambee Stars, currently in third place, are looking to secure a respectable finish in the group standings.

Ivory Coast enters this match in formidable form, boasting an almost perfect qualifying campaign. Their record of seven wins and two draws speaks to their dominance.

Their most remarkable statistic is their defensive solidity, as they are one of only two teams in the African qualifiers yet to concede a goal.

Their offensive power was on full display in their last match, a resounding 7-0 victory over Seychelles, which will undoubtedly give them immense confidence.

Coach Emerse Faé has successfully built a team that is both an attacking force and a defensive fortress, and they will be looking to complete their flawless campaign at home, where they have won every match so far.

Harambee Stars, under the guidance of coach Benni McCarthy, are equally motivated, albeit for different reasons. They are coming into this match on the back of two successive victories against Seychelles and Burundi, which have lifted them to third in the group.

Benni McCarthy has been vocal about his team's ambition, stating they are not in Abidjan "to do anyone a favour." Their goal is to collect maximum points and finish their qualifying journey on a high note.

Kenya's attack has been lively throughout the campaign, but their defensive record is a cause for concern, with 11 goals conceded in nine games. They will need to address these frailties if they are to withstand the might of the Ivorian attack in what promises to be a hostile "lion's den."

Ivory Coast vs Kenya: Team News

Ivory Coast will be at full strength, with no major injury or suspension concerns. Their squad is teeming with top-tier talent, including players like Manchester United's Amad Diallo, AC Milan's Evan Ndicka, and the influential Nicolas Pépé.

The depth of their squad was highlighted in their last match, with seven different players getting on the scoresheet, including substitutes like Franck Kessié and Simon Adingra.

It is expected that Emerse Faé will field a strong lineup, possibly with a similar 4-4-2 formation to the one that proved so effective in their last outing, featuring Evann Guessand and Oumar Diakité leading the line.

For Harambee Stars, there are some notable absences. Right-back Rooney Onyango will miss the match due to a suspension after picking up his second yellow card of the campaign.

The availability of Alpha Onyango also remains unconfirmed. In goal, Brian Bwire is a doubt due to injury, meaning Byrne Omondi is likely to start.

On a positive note, striker Michael Olunga, with six goals in the qualifiers, is expected to spearhead the attack, and young talent Ryan Ogam, who scored the winner against Burundi, is a strong contender for a starting position.

Coach Benni McCarthy has the task of selecting a strong lineup that can counter the Ivorian threat without compromising his team's attacking philosophy.

Ivory Coast vs Kenya: Odds

The bookmakers have made the Ivory Coast overwhelming favourites to win this encounter. The odds for an Ivory Coast victory are extremely low, often around 1.12 to 1.18. A draw is priced at odds as high as 7.00, while a Kenya win is considered a significant long shot, with odds of 27.00.

This disparity reflects the quality and form of the two sides, as well as the high stakes for the home team. However, some betting insights suggest that Kenya might be able to cover a handicap.

For instance, backing Kenya with a +2 Asian Handicap is considered a value bet by some, as they have a history of keeping losses to a small margin. A correct score prediction of 2-0 or even 1-0 in favour of the Ivory Coast is also popular, given the hosts' defensive prowess.

Ivory Coast vs Kenya: Predictions

Ivory Coast is the clear favourite, and it is difficult to see them not winning this match. Their superior squad quality, home advantage, and the sheer motivation of qualifying for the World Cup will likely be too much for Kenya to handle.

While Harambee Stars will be playing for pride and aiming to frustrate their opponents, the Ivorian attack, which has not been kept goalless at home, is expected to find a way through.

A 2-0 victory for the Ivory Coast seems to be a reasonable prediction. They have a perfect defensive record in the qualifiers and will be determined to keep it intact.

While Kenya will not sit back and defend, their attempts to play on the front foot will likely be thwarted by a disciplined and well-organised Ivorian team.

It is expected to be a competitive match in the early stages, but the home side's quality and need for a result should see them secure a comfortable win and book their ticket to the 2026 World Cup.