Ivory Coast vs Kenya: 5 Ivorian Dangermen Harambee Stars Must Watch Out For in Abidjan

Harambee Stars are preparing for their toughest match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as they play away to Ivory Coast on Tuesday.

Benni McCarthy’s men stand in the way of a World Cup ticket for the Elephants, who must win on home soil, to be certain of a place in next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico as second-placed Gabon are just one point behind.

The Ivorians lead Group F with 23 points, with Gabon on 22, and any slipups from Emerse Fae’s men will allow The Panthers to close in and nick the direct ticket, if they triumph over Burundi also on the same day.

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It means Harambee Stars have their work cut out and ahead of the meeting at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium, who are the Ivory Coast players they must be wary of?

After an initial struggle at his club Wolves in the Premier League, central defender Emmanuel Agbadou showed why he was one of the highly-rated players last season with a starring role in Ivory Coast’s 7-0 thumping of Seychelles on Friday.

The defender scored and assisted and had a commanding display at the heart of defence which will give Harambee Stars forwards Michael Olunga and Ryan Ogam a hard time.

Blessed with height and a big frame, Agbadou is an asset when defending, as he wins most of his duels, while he is crucial when attacking set-pieces, something Harambee Stars will need to keep an eye on.

Nottingham Forest defensive midfielder Ibrahim Sangare is one of the key pillars of this Ivorian side that has not conceded a single goal in nine World Cup qualification matches.

Either playing alongside Franck Kessie or Pacome Zouzoua, Sangare puts in commanding displays and does not just shield the defence but also acts as the link with the attack.

The 27-year-old has two goals in the six qualifiers he has featured in, but his tenacity in the middle of the pack is what he is known for, and Kenya have to win the midfield battle if they want to get something from the game.

Former AC Milan and Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie has been one of the outstanding performers for the Ivory Coast for years and is one to watch out for.

Unlike Sangare, Kessie is adept at protecting the defence but also scoring and creating goals.

The midfielder, who now plays for Al Ahli in Saudi, has been ever-present in the qualifiers and has two assists and a goal.

What makes him special is that he can play in a defensive midfield role or as an attacking midfielder, making it hard to mark.

Sunderland winger Simon Adingra has seen his numbers go down in recent months but he still remains a big threat.

Adingra, who plays on the left wing, cutting on his stronger right foot, has one goal and two assists in eight World Cup qualifiers and is one of coach Fae’s favourites.

He was voted best young player at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and still carries a big threat even if life at Sunderland has started slowly as he has one assist in six Premier League games.

While injuries and poor form have slowed him down in recent months, seeing Oumar Diakité edge ahead of him in the starting XI, the qualities of star striker Sebastien Haller cannot be overemphasised.

Haller, now playing in the Netherlands for Utrecht, has two goals and one assist in six World Cup qualifiers but his qualities in the box are unmatched.

The 31-year-old was a second-half substitute against Seychelles on Friday but is in line to start on Tuesday and his clever movement and finishing are things McCarthy’s men must be aware of.