Repeat of 2012 African Cup of Nations Between Ivory Coast and Zambia Headlines 2023 Qualifiers Weekend

• The Ivory Coast's clash against Zambia will arguably be the most eye-catching of this weekend's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers
• The hosts of next year's tournament and the 2012 edition's champions are in Group H alongside Lesotho and Comoros
• This match has famous history behind it, with Chipolopolo having defeated the Elephants in Equatorial Guinea for their only African title

Hosts of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Ivory Coast and Zambia will collide tonight in what will probably be the drawcard match of this weekend's qualifiers fixtures.

The two sides are part of a relatively undemanding Group H, with unfancied Lesotho and Comoros forming the quartet. As hosts of next year's tournament, the Ivorians qualified automatically, and will have something of a free hit going into that event.

This match has unforgettable history, with a destiny-driven Chipolopolo having defeated the Elephants at the 2012 edition in Equatorial Guinea to lift their only African title, as per Bleacher Report.

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According to SuperSport, this will be Frenchman Jean-Louis Gasset's first match in charge of the home team after succeeding compatriot Patrice Beaumelle, whose contract was not renewed following his failure to guide them to the 2022 World Cup.

Zambia's Croatian coach Aljosa Asanovic, who was appointed in January, said to Goal:

“We have prepared very well, we are focused and we are going into the game very strong, I see the quality, the family atmosphere, and they are very professional. I want to end this game against Ivory Coast in the best way for the people of Zambia, for me, my staff, and my players”

According to 11v11, since first meeting in March 1974, the two countries have met nine times, with the Ivory Coast winning on six occasions, Zambia twice and one draw.

The match will take place at the Stade de Yamoussoukro kicking off at 9pm CAT.

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AFCON 2023 qualifiers: Kudus, Afena-Gyan and Bukari score as Ghana whitewash Madagascar

The Black Stars of Ghana opened their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with an emphatic win against Madagascar.

As reported on Sports Brief, Mohammed Kudus, Felix-Afena Gyan and Osman Bukari all scored in the second half as the Black Stars secured an important victory.

The Black Stars travel to the Central Africa Republic for the second game of the group in three days time.