Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the World Cup qualifying match.
A pivotal Group F fixture will be played tomorrow, with places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the line. Gabon are closer than ever to a first FIFA World Cup and will try to qualify directly. However, Côte d'Ivoire can secure top spot in the group and confirm qualification already.
Gabon
Gabon have put together an outstanding FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign and sit second with 18 points, the best return among all runners-up. Across seven matches, Gabon have won six times and only narrowly lost to Côte d'Ivoire (0:1). The squad is far from star‑studded: the leaders are David Sambissa (Istanbulspor), Teddy Averlant (Amiens SC) and Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC), who tops the scoring charts with eight goals. Gabon’s strengths are cohesion and work rate. However, against stronger opposition that may not be enough: in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, Gabon lost to Morocco twice (1:4, 1:5), and they have been beaten by Côte d'Ivoire in four of the last five meetings.
Côte d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire are one of the most consistent sides in this FIFA World Cup qualifying cycle. They have taken 19 points from a possible 21, and their defence is a benchmark: they have not conceded a single goal throughout the campaign. The centre‑back pairing of Odilon Kossounou (Atalanta BC) and Evan Ndicka (AS Roma) locks things down at the back, while Amad Diallo (Manchester United) and Seko Fofana (Stade Rennais FC) provide the spark in attack. Côte d'Ivoire play pragmatic football and rarely produce high‑scoring games — only the Seychelles were beaten (9:0), and none of the other matches featured more than two goals.
Gabon vs Côte d'Ivoire Prediction
Gabon have decent form and huge motivation, but the level of the opponent is clearly higher. Côte d'Ivoire shut games down, barely allowing opponents to get near their goal. They will avoid defeat in this fixture and deliver another solid defensive display.
