Ivory Coast vs South Africa: Team News, Predictions and More

• Ivory Coast host South Africa in Abidjan on Tuesday night with kickoff at 19:00 local time
• South Africa come into the game on the back of a stale goalless draw at the FNB Stadium
• Ivory Coast coach Jean Louis Gasset is showing his visiting opponents plenty of respect

South Africa will look to bounce back following their uninspiring meeting with Eswatini.

It may be a tough ask, as Ivory Coast will come into the game with confidence after a positive 1-1 draw with the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, Morocco.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has called for an improved effort, while his Ivory Coast counterpart, Jean Louis Gasset, has spoken of respecting their opponents.

There have been no disruptions to the Ivory Coast squad, who have several European-based attackers to choose from.

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On the South African teamsheet, Zakhele Lepasa has not travelled with the squad due to a knee injury.

Hollywoodbets Sports Blog quoted South Africa's team doctor, Thabo Maleka as saying:

“Lepasa is struggling with a left knee overuse injury, which could have been exacerbated again by the recent games and also trainings.”

Ivory Coast won the last meeting between the sides, and played in the group stage of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, 1-0. The Ivorians are also unbeaten in the last five.

Goalscoring may have been problematic against Eswatini, but South Africa have not conceded in their last three matches, four if you include the COSAFA Cup bronze medal match against Malawi.

SowetanLive quoted Broos as challenging his players to show desire.

“I want to see revenge. I want to see, certainly, a team with passion, a team with winning spirit again. There’s nothing that comes easily and in each and every game you have to give 100%."

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Gasset was more pragmatic, as quoted by Goal:

“The match will be a good test for both teams. Bafana is a good team. I think that will play to push Cote d’Ivoire to play well and to progress."

The result will depend on South Africa's focus and if they can be more clinical than their hosts.

Drab Draw against Eswatini

Sports Brief recently reported on South Africa's wastefulness in front of goal.

Bafana Bafana had the freedom of FNB Stadium at times, dominating possession.

The usually reliable strikers all had chances but left their shooting boots at home.