Zambia vs Ivory Coast Prediction: The defending champions stand no chance here

The Chipolopolo of Zambia will face off against Ivory Coast in their final home game of the group at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Friday. Zambia need a point here to book their spot in Morocco next year while the defending champions will put too much emphasis as they already secured their ticket. 

Zambia

FIFA Ranking: 94th

Last five matches: LLWDW

The Chipolopolo of Zambia are unbeaten over their last three games, matching here with a (0-1) slim victory over the Republic of Chad. Zambia were not at their best and were lucky to have secured the maximum points as Chad missed the chance of splitting points. 

Zambia have picked up seven points from a combined twelve, scoring four and conceding four. Zambia are a tough side on their ground, and we think they’ll at least secure a point here. 

Ivory Coast

FIFA Ranking: 33rd

Last five matches: DWWWL

The Elephants suffered a shocking defeat on the road against Sierra Leone as they managed just a shot in the entire game. Ivory Coast underestimated their opponent and were stunned (1-0) in a must-win game. 

The defeat ended their eleven games unbeaten in all competitions. The Ivorians have been phenomenal since they won the AFCON Championship on their home turf until their recent defeat. 

The Ivorians have a wealth of experience and quality in their squad, and we expect them to fight here even though they already qualified. 

Expert Betting Tips

Over their previous seven meetings, Ivory Coast have won three while Zambia have recorded three wins and a game ending in a tie. The Chipolopolo of Zambia can’t risk losing this game, as a defeat here could cost them their spot unlike Ivory Coast, who already booked their ticket to the AFCON Tournament next year.

Considering the guests have nothing to lose here, we anticipate a decent display from Zambia tomorrow, and we think they’ll win or draw and score more than a goal here for 3.75.

We also think both teams will likely get a goal apiece for 2.23.

We anticipate more than two goals here for 2.55.

Good luck!