Zambia vs Ivory Coast: AFCON 2025 Qualifiers Preview and Predictions

The highly anticipated match between Zambia and Ivory Coast in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers is set to take place on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Zambia. This encounter marks a crucial fixture in Group G, with both teams vying for top spot in the group.

Zambia, currently in second place, have had a mixed campaign so far. They began with a 2-0 loss to Ivory Coast but have since rebounded with a win over Sierra Leone and a draw and a win against Chad. The Chipolopolo are looking to capitalize on their recent form and leapfrog Ivory Coast to the top of the group with a victory[4].

Ivory Coast, the reigning AFCON champions, are leading Group G with nine points. They have been in impressive form, starting with a 2-0 win over Zambia and subsequent victories over Chad and Sierra Leone. However, their unbeaten run was recently broken by a 1-0 loss to Sierra Leone. The Elephants are determined to regain their winning momentum and secure all three points in this match[4].

The match is expected to be tightly contested, with both teams having the capability to emerge victorious. Key players to watch include Franck Kessie for Ivory Coast, known for his strength, work rate, and composure on the ball. Kessie has been a crucial figure for both his club, FC Barcelona, and the Ivory Coast national team.

Betting predictions favor Ivory Coast, with odds suggesting a 59.86% chance of them winning the match. Zambia, however, have a 54.5% win accuracy against Ivory Coast in their head-to-head matches, making this a potentially close and exciting encounter[2][4].

The match will be broadcast live on ZNBC 1 in Zambia and RTI 3 in Ivory Coast. Fans are eagerly anticipating this clash, which could significantly impact the standings in Group G and the overall qualification prospects for both teams[3][4]).