Ivory Coast: Zero Goals Conceded in 9 World Cup Qualifiers, Can Harambee Stars Breach the Elephants?

Harambee Stars face Ivory Coast in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday but the Elephants have not conceded a goal so far, making Kenya’s work more difficult.

As Africa heads into the final round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday, only two teams have not been breached so far.

Ivory Coast and Tunisia are the only sides yet to concede a goal in nine qualification games and of the two, the Carthage Eagles have already booked their place in next year’s tournament.

The Elephants can do the same if they beat Kenya on Tuesday, given Gabon are just one point behind, although a draw or defeat, coupled with the same results for The Panthers will be enough.

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How Many Goals Have Ivory Coast Scored?

What is outstanding for Emerse Fae’s team is their impressive defensive record that has seen them fail to be breached throughout their qualification journey, giving Harambee Stars boss Benni McCarthy a headache to resolve.

The Ivorians have scored 22 goals, 16 of them against African minnows Seychelles, across two matches, added to 2-0 and 1-0 wins over The Gambia, two identical 1-0 victories over Burundi, and a 1-0 home triumph against Gabon before a goalless draw last month.

Only Kenya is yet to be breached by the Elephants, who drew 0-0 with Harambee Stars in June 2024 and it remains to be seen if the East Africans can keep them at bay in Abidjan.

Ivorian Defenders Have to Find a Way to Contain Ogam

Harambee Stars are seeking to be spoilers and even a draw is possible in Abidjan given how McCarthy has been setting up his team against the big boys of African football but whether Kenya will score remains the big question.

That formidable defensive record gives Ivory Coast confidence as they know they are hard to beat and will be relying on their qualities up front to get the win that they badly need.

Harambee Stars striker Ryan Ogam has, however, been lethal in and around the box, his movement proving tough for defenders and Emmanuel Agbadou, Evan Ndicka and Wily Boly, whoever is selected at centre-back for the Ivorians, will have to learn how to cope with him or risk seeing their good record come to and end.